By: Richard L. Smith
Newark and the nation are grieving the loss of Mildred C. Crump, a pioneering figure in public service and an enduring symbol of resilience and empowerment. 
The former Newark City Council President, who passed away over the weekend, leaves behind a legacy that transformed her community and inspired generations.
Leaders from local, state, and federal levels have extended heartfelt condolences to Crump’s family, friends, colleagues, and the countless individuals touched by her life’s work.
Crump’s tenure in public office, spanning from 1994 to 1998 and again from 2006 to 2021, cemented her place in history as a trailblazer.
She was the first Black Braille teacher in New Jersey, the first Black woman elected to Newark’s City Council, and the first woman to serve as its president.
Her impact extended far beyond the chambers of government.
As a young professional, I had the privilege of directing Councilwoman Crump’s local television show from 1997 to 2008 at the Cablevision studios on Central Avenue.
I immediately witnessed her passion for connecting with the community, which was evident in every broadcast as she sought to amplify voices that often went unheard.
Her influence also touched the halls of West Side High School, where I attended during the early 1990s. Crump, a fierce advocate for education and accessibility, offered invaluable support to a blind student, exemplifying her lifelong commitment to empowering those in need.
A champion for social justice, Crump’s three-decade career was marked by relentless advocacy for tenants’ rights, educational equity, and female empowerment.
She worked tirelessly to open doors for marginalized communities, never losing sight of her mission to uplift others.
The Honorable East Orange Mayor Ted Green said the following:
To her son, Larry Crump, may your mother’s remarkable legacy inspire you as you carry forward her vision for a brighter Newark. Mildred C. Crump was not just a leader but a beacon of hope and progress. Her indomitable spirit will remain etched in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.
May this extraordinary woman rest in eternal peace, her light forever shining in the city she so dearly loved.
