Legendary local leader and history-making public servant of distinction, former Newark City Council President Mildred C. Crump, has died.

She was 86.

An iconic presence in Newark for three decades with her professorial horn-rimmed glasses, winning smile, and zestful, can-do attitude, unafraid of occupying the front line to solve a complicated city’s toughest problems, and routinely leaned-on by others for her leadership and bridge-building prowess, Ms. Crump left a legacy to be cherished.

Councilwoman from 1994-1998, and again from 2006-2021, Mildred Crump was the first Black woman to serve on the city’s governing body, elected in a 1994 runoff. She would serve on the council during the times of Mayors Sharpe James, Cory Booker, and Ras Baraka.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Ms. Crump graduated from Wayne State University, where she was the recipient of the David D. McKenzie Honor Society Award as the “Most Outstanding Female Student for Leadership and Scholarship”. A graduate of Rutgers-Newark with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, the Honorable Ms. Crump was New Jersey’s first African-American Braille teacher.

In 2020, the New Jersey State League of Municipalities inducted Ms. Crump into its Hall of Fame.

Her son, Larry Crump, serves as an at-large councilman in Newark. He posted the following on Facebook this morning: “After 31 years, my mother has reunited with the love of her life…She loved doing what she did. Being a public servant for the people.”

He also shared this visual of his mother with an official statement from the Crump Family:

And her daughter, Sage Crump, posted this:

“A redwood has fallen in the forest.

“Early this morning my mother Mildred Joyce Coleman Crump, first of so many things, became a most treasured ancestor. She understood her assignment and lived a life of purpose, rigorous, community , faith and love. A testament to how she showed up is that EVERY SINGLE PERSON, my brother Larry Crump and I have talked to this morning said “What can I do?” To say she will be missed is like saying water is wet and fatback makes greens delicious (Ask me about our Thanksgiving cooking squabbles). As in life, I know she will take her duty as a ancestor seriously and she likes to be busy so feel free to call on her. We are grateful to have shared her with so many and that will not change now.”

A former chief-of-staff to his mother, Larry Crump in 2022 told InsiderNJ that he learned the tough local political trade going back to when his mother first won her council seat in 1994. “We do the best we can to help, and I’ve helped people who have called me every name but the son of God,” Larry Crump said with a laugh. “Some people yelling do need the help, and no matter what side of the election you’re on, you help. I learned that from my mother. Many times the same people who yelled at her and cursed her out, came up to office and asked for money or assistance.”

Statement from Governor Murphy:

“Tammy and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Mildred Crump. Mildred was a giant, trailblazer, and our dear friend.

“Throughout her life, Mildred broke barriers and was well-accustomed to being the first – both professionally as the first Black braille teacher in New Jersey and in her political career as the first Black woman elected to the Newark City Council and the first woman to serve as its president.

“A model public servant, Mildred deftly advocated for the most vulnerable in her community, working to uplift New Jersey’s women, children, senior citizens, families, and residents with disabilities. Her impact was felt around the world, which is why she was called Mother Africa. She will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to improving the lives of her constituents and will be deeply missed.

“Our prayers are with Mildred’s family during this difficult time, especially her two children, Sheri and Larry.”

Pictured, top: Honored by the Democratic State Committee with The Trailblazer Award, Newark Council President Mildred C. Crump (center) celebrated with, from left: T. Missy Balmir, Sherryl Gordon Hall, Truscha Quatrone, and Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D-15).

From the Rutgers African American Alumni Alliance:

Mildred C. Crump was sworn in as Newark’s first African-American Councilwoman on July 1, 1994 in the 336th year history of this city. She brought a much needed perspective to that governing body. A longtime community activist, she has been a consummate and consistent advocate for women, children, senior citizens, the disabled, working families and those in need. On July 1, 2006, she was again sworn in as Councilwoman at-Large. She created history once again when she was elected as the first female president of the Newark Municipal Council.

Ms. Crump was born in Detroit, Michigan where she attended and graduated from the local public schools. Upon graduation from Wayne State University, she was the recipient of the David D. McKenzie Honor Society Award as the “Most Outstanding Female Student for Leadership and Scholarship”. She established another mark in history by becoming the first African-American Braille teacher in the City of Detroit. Upon moving to New Jersey in 1965, she became the first African- American Braille teacher in this state. She received her Master’s degree from Rutgers University, Newark in Public Administration.

As a resident of Newark, Ms. Crump has been active with numerous organizations. She is a past President and member of the Board of Trustees for Integrity House, Inc., Vice-Chairperson of the Steering Committee of the Bridge to Recovery, charter member of the African-American Museum at the Smithsonian in Washington D.C., past Chairman of the Board of Directors, Habitat for Humanity, Newark and subscribing Golden Heritage Life Member of the Newark Branch NAACP to name a few. She was a founding member of the New Jersey Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., the National Political Congress for Black Women of Newark, under the leadership of the late Honorable Shirley A. Chisholm, and the Global Women’s Leadership Collaborative of New Jersey, an organization  dedicated to “sisterhood” issues with women in Africa. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a public service sorority.

Councilwoman Crump is the Founder of the Newark Women’s Conference, Inc., an organization whose purpose is to promote the empowerment of women in Newark and vicinity. She is the host of a local Cable Television Show entitled, “Straight Talk with Mildred Crump”. Issues of relevance affecting the quality of life are discussed and debated. Her services as a motivational speaker are often requested by schools, churches and public service organizations.

She is not ashamed to declare that “she loves God” and is an active member of the Bethany Baptist Church in Newark. She is a member of the Senior Missionary Society, the Altar Guild, the AIDS Ministry and the Welcome Committee. She is also an active member of the World Gospel Musical Association, an amalgamated choir, under the direction of Dr. Albert J. Lewis, Jr. She retired in 2003 after 42 years as a Braille Teacher and Education Consultant from the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Ms. Crump is a widow and the proud mother of two children, Cecil Lawrence (Larry) Crump, an attorney in Newark, and Sheri E. Crump, an Arts Programmer in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Former Newark Councilwoman Gayle Chaneyfield released the following statement:

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of a true political trailblazer and former colleague, Councilwoman Mildred Crump. It was an honor to serve alongside her in Newark, and her commitment to our community was truly inspiring. Mildred’s passion for public service and her unwavering dedication to improving the lives of our residents will always be remembered. She was a fierce advocate for justice and equality, and her legacy will continue to guide us as we strive to build a better future for all. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family and to all who were touched by her kindness and leadership.”