(TRENTON) – Assemblyman Benjie E. Wimberly (D-Bergen, Passaic) has issued the following statement after the passing of Mildred C. Crump:

“I join the Newark community, the state of New Jersey, and the nation in mourning the profound loss of The Honorable Mildred C. Crump, a trailblazer, beloved leader, and an inspiration to us all.

“Mildred Crump made history as the first Black woman elected to the Newark City Council and the first woman to serve as its President. Her contributions to public service spanned nearly four decades, during which she fought tirelessly for equity, better healthcare, housing, education, and opportunities for women, children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

“Mildred Crump was a mentor, a pioneer, and a relentless advocate for justice. Her unwavering faith and determination inspired generations of leaders, myself included. Her voice was one of clarity and compassion, and her legacy will live on in the lives she transformed and the barriers she shattered.

“Her passing is a poignant reminder of how much we must cherish each moment we share with one another. The holidays can be a joyful time, but they also bring moments of deep remembrance of loved ones no longer with us. For me, as someone who has experienced the profound loss of a loved one, I feel deeply for her family and all those who cherished her.

“To her son Larry, her daughter Sheri, her grandchildren, and all who knew and loved her, I offer my heartfelt condolences. May we all honor her memory by carrying forward her work and commitment to uplifting our communities. The Honorable Mildred Crump’s light will continue to shine through the lives of those she touched and the causes she championed. She will be dearly missed but never forgotten.”