By Doshon Farad

On Tuesday night, activist and son of the late famous poet Amiri Baraka, Councilman Ras Baraka, was elected as mayor of the city of Newark, NJ, replacing Luis Quintana who had been serving as interim mayor since Corey Booker’s departure. Booker won a special election last year to replace late Senator Frank Lautenberg.

In a race that was closely monitored by supporters and foes alike across the country, the forty-four year-old councilman defeated civil rights Attorney Shavar Jeffries. The race, which was marked by negative TV ads, mudslinging, and generous benefactors financing both candidates, landed in victory for Baraka, who received 54 percent of the vote.

For nearly a year, Councilman Baraka campaigned on the themes “Believe in Newark” and “When I become mayor, we all become mayor,” emphasizing his grassroots activist background. And during his victory speech he shouted “We are the Mayor!”

Mr. Baraka, who is also a high school principal, received endorsements from several prominent public figures such as New Jersey Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver, former governor Richard Codey, and state senator Ronald Rice. He also picked up endorsements from several civic organizations and unions such as the American Federation of Teachers, C.W.A, 1199, 32BJ S.E.I.U., New Black Panther Party, Newark Anti-Violence Coalition, and the People’s Organization for Progress.

On election day, a few prominent African-American figures showed up to lend their support. Among this crowd were activist and Mumia Abu Jamal spokeswoman Pam Africa, scholar Dr. Leonard Jeffries, and the head of the New York Based December 12 Movement Viola Plummer, who showed up with a street team to canvas the city on behalf of Baraka.

After the results were announced,Clinton Avenue, where Baraka’s headquarters was located, was blanketed by supporters wearing blue shirts containing the words “Ras Baraka for Mayor”, along with campaign signs and loud victory music that could be heard from blocks away. His victory was so emotional for some supporters-especially older ones, who knew his father personally- that a few of them could be seen in tears. One activist was so overjoyed that he literally lost his composure.

Right outside of Baraka’s campaign headquarters Your Black World Network spoke with Ms. Tiffany Chapman. She said, “It was a blessing that he won. He deserved it.”

After the results were announced, Baraka’s supporters hurriedly proceeded to downtown Newark’s historic Robert Treat Hotel where the victory celebration was held. Here, the mayor-elect delivered an astounding acceptance speech to an electrified nearly standing room audience filled with shouting supporters with his mother Amina Baraka being among them.

He began by saying, “To God be the glory” and thanking everyone who helped him. And of course as was expected, he paid homage to his father who passed in January.

“I know that my father’s spirit is in this room. And I want to thank him for believing in me all the way until the last days of his life.”

Amiri Baraka was made a topic throughout the entire campaign as he was a major pioneer who helped thrust Newark into the black power and civil rights era.

Councilman Baraka thanked his campaign team. “When they didn’t have faith you had faith. When they said we didn’t have any money you went into your pocket and gave $5, $10, and $1. I love you.”

He definitely made sure that he expressed gratitude to the student support he received. “I love my students at Central High School for working hard for me. And all of the students that I ever came across who I saw out there in the voting lines giving me the ‘V’ and posting pictures of support on Instagram. . .I thank you.”

Mr. Baraka being a grassroots activist couldn’t end his speech without thanking local residents. “I want to thank all of the people of the great city of Newark. . . We’re not a ‘brick city’, we’re an international city.”

During the nearly twelve minute address, he made no negative references about his opponent Shavar Jeffries. Instead he congratulated his opponent and his family for a good campaign. “They are important parts of our city and we need them. It was a hard-fought race. And we welcome him and anybody who chose to be on the other team to be a part of what we’re doing in the city of Newark. They are not our enemies. We need to bring the city back together again.” He continued, “We choose hope not fear. We choose transformation not cynicism.”

This point was emphasized when he said, “Today we say goodbye to the bosses. So today ‘we folks’ have to be the mayor that cares for all of the people and make sure that we fight for jobs for everyone.”

The future mayor concluded by sounding a verbal alarm. “Watch out, America. Here comes Newark.”

After his victory speech, Councilman Baraka led a march from the hotel to the footsteps of City Hall where he held a mini-rally that was also heavily attended.