A full video of the day gala in Newark honoring retired state Senator Ronald Rice can be viewed here.

When he received the microphone at the end of the gala, he made the following remarks in part:

“I’m prod to be here today to support the Legislative Black Caucus Foundation and the caucus as a whole. People need help. They’re crying to us from the streets, from corporate America, the correctional facilities and even the churches, and we’re not there for them.”

Rice had a message for Black elected officials, specifically lawmakers.

“You have a power you don’t recognize,” said the senator, who retired in August. “I don’t care who the president or the mayor is. The only people who can make policy are legislators.”

For coverage of the event in addition to the video link above, please go here.