CAMDEN MOURNS GRASSROOTS LEADER ROSA RAMIREZ

Faith leaders, elected officials, and community members from the Camden region are mourning the passing of longtime community leader Rosa Ramirez, a passionate and committed justice warrior who was a prominent voice for change in the city for more than 20 years.

Mrs. Ramirez, a member of St. Joseph’s Pro-Cathedral in East Camden, helped to found and grow Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP), a vibrant community organizing initiative that developed grassroots leaders and mobilized thousands of residents across the city to: win a host community benefit for city residents in return for the city’s hosting of the CCMUA regional sewage treatment plant; reduce gun-related violence through the implementation of community-policing; and secure passage of state legislation which provided millions of dollars for community-led housing and neighborhood development.

“Rosa was a remarkable leader who will always be remembered and loved by her family, friends and community for her tireless dedication to promoting the dignity and rights of all people to flourish as God intended, regardless of their ZIP code,” said Rev. Heyward D. Wiggins, III, Pastor of Camden Bible Tabernacle in North Camden.

“She was willing to speak truth to power and, along with her many allies in the faith community, pricked the conscience of a generation of elected officials who served Camden and the region. Camden is a better, stronger community because of her witness. She was a force to be reckoned with.”

Mrs. Ramirez succumbed to health issues last Friday, October 7 surrounded by family and friends. Her viewing will be held at St. Joseph’s Pro-Cathedral (2907 Federal Street) on Thursday, October 13 from 5:00-8:00 pm, with a short interfaith prayer service to follow. A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Friday, October 14 at 11:00 am, also at St. Joseph’s Pro-Cathedral.

CCOP merged with the statewide organizing network Faith in New Jersey in 2015.