ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE DIVINCENZO DEDICATES

MEMORIAL PLAQUES ALONG ESSEX COUNTY LEGENDS WAY IN HONOR OF

FIRST FREEHOLDER PRESIDENT PEARL BEATTY,

FORMER NEWARK MAYOR KENNETH A. GIBSON,

THE LATE FREEHOLDER AND IRVINGTON COUNCILWOMAN LEBBY JONES, NEWARK DAY CENTER DIRECTOR TRISH MORRIS-YAMBA

AND LA CASA DE DON PEDRO FOUNDER RAMON RIVERA

Bronze Plaques Recognize Community Leaders who Impacted Essex County

Newark, NJ – Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. dedicated five bronze plaques in honor of the late Pearl Beatty, the late Kenneth A. Gibson, the late Lebby Jones, the late Trish Morris-Yamba and the late Ramon Rivera on Wednesday, September 18^th. Beatty was the first Freeholder President under the current form of County Government, Gibson was the first African-American Mayor of Newark who served 16 years, Jones was an Irvington Councilwoman and member of the Board of Freeholders, Morris-Yamba was the long-time Executive Director of The Newark Day Center and the Fresh Air Fund and Rivera was the founder and former Executive Director of La Casa de Don Pedro. The plaques are located along Essex County Legends Way at the Essex County Government Complex in Newark.

“Pearl Beatty, Ken Gibson, Lebby Jones, Trish Morris-Yamba and Ramon Rivera each dedicated their lives to helping others, improving their community and putting the needs of others before their own. They each impacted the lives of many,” DiVincenzo said. “They are deserving of being remembered as Essex County legends and having their names at our government complex will remind people of their contributions,” he added.

Elected officials extolled the inductees onto Legends Way.

“I have had the privilege and honor of knowing and working with each one of these people,” Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver said. “Pearl Beatty served the community with strength and dignity. When she was elected, it was the first time in my life that I ever saw a black woman hold a political position. She set the standard for the others who followed,” Oliver said when presenting Beatty’s family with the memorial plaque.

“They all loved their community and believed in service, as well as community empowerment. Everyone benefited from the work they did,” Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said.

“They all did great things for the community and they all were terrific people to work with,” Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura said.

“I applaud the County Executive’s foresight for creating Legends Way. Commemorating plaques is an uplifting memorial for all of us and helps us remember our leaders and teach our future generations,” Freeholder President Brendan Gill said. “Each of the honorees today embody service and dedication to Essex County,” he added.

“It’s refreshing to know how they each touched our lives. I want to also thank their families for sharing them with us,” Essex County Democratic Committee Chairman LeRoy Jones said.

The plaque for Pearl Beatty begins with a quote from an unknown author: “I’ve learned that what we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.” It continues with: “Pearl Beatty began her political career when she sang at a Democratic rally for presidential candidate John F. Kennedy. She became an activist for social justice and civil rights, attending the 1963 March on Washington and picketing Woolworth’s in Newark to convince the corporate owners to hire African-American employees and to allow African-Americans to be served at the lunch counter. Recognized for her leadership abilities, Ms. Beatty became a trusted advisor to Kenneth A. Gibson and was a driving force in his election as Newark’s first African-American Mayor of Newark in 1970. She continued her advisory role to Mayor Gibson during his 16-year tenure as Mayor. Her first elected office was in the new form of county government in 1978, running off the party line for the District II Freeholder position. A natural leader, she was chosen by her fellow Board members as the first Freeholder President of the new government. Many organizations were better served with Ms. Beatty at the helm. She will be remembered as a trail blazer for women in politics as well as her service to the citizens of her beloved County of Essex.”

“Pearl brought honor to her family and the residents of Essex County. She was a brilliant mind who was ahead of her time. Having this plaque here will remind us all of her contributions,” said her niece Pamela Hodge.

The plaque for Kenneth A. Gibson begins with a quote that is often attributed to him: “Wherever America’s cities are going, Newark will get there first.” It continues with: “When Ken Gibson was elected Mayor of Newark in 1970, he assumed leadership of a city that was still in turmoil three years after the 1967 riots. He inherited a community that was divided racially, socially and economically. Using his calm and quiet demeanor, Mr. Gibson reached out to the diverse segments of the city’s population, helped restore order and stability to the community, and laid the foundation on which Newark, the state’s largest city, was revitalized and reborn. He served as mayor for 16 years, making him the longest serving mayor in Newark history at that time, and he left the city he loved in better fiscal and physical shape than when he arrived. He was the first African American mayor elected in the history of Newark and to lead a major city in the northeast. His election inspired generations to get involved in public service. A role model and mentor, many sought his guidance when they decided to seek public office at the local, county and state levels. Mr. Gibson will always be remembered for his love of and dedication to Newark and its residents.”

Mr. Gibson’s wife Camille simply said “thank you. He was my hero.”

The plaque for Lebby Jones begins with a quote by the late Congresswoman Shirley Chisolm: “Service is the rent that you pay for room on this earth.” It continues with: “Few people have been as ardent cheerleaders for their community as Lebby C. Jones. A grassroots activist, Jones served as the President of Irvington’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Celebration Committee, Executive Board Member of the Irvington Branch of the NAACP and Founder and President of the Irvington Chapter of the National Action Network. A devoted educator for 33 years, she helped shape the young minds in the Newark Public School System and served as President of the Irvington Board of Education. A conscientious elected official, Jones improved the quality of life for her constituents in Irvington and throughout Essex County. She served on the Irvington Municipal Council for two decades, where her influence and candor earned her the nickname ‘Queen of the Council.’ In 2014, Jones left the Irvington Municipal Council to become a Freeholder At-Large and brought the same outspoken enthusiasm to Essex County. Jones will always be remembered for her advocacy on behalf of the people of Essex County.”

“Lebby Jones was a mentor and a true leader,” Irvington Mayor Tony Vauss said.

“My aunt was someone who always told you the truth and always said things straight. She was a real genuine person,” said Tanisha Philips, niece of Ms. Jones.

The plaque for Trish Morris-Yamba with her quote: “Needs have materialized, these kids need a chance. It still takes a village to raise a child.” It continues with: “Recognized as a visionary in the field of early childhood education, Trish Morris-Yamba founded the CHEN School and the Early Childhood Coalition of Newark. She realized her life’s calling to help children through her service as the executive director of the Newark Day Center and The Greater Newark Fresh Air Fund for 32 years. Her work through those organizations ensured inner-city children had positive experiences and the opportunity to participate in recreational activities, including attending summer camp. In addition to avidly supporting children’s causes, Ms. Morris-Yamba was a founding member of the National Congress of Black Women and was passionate about empowering women professionally and politically. She travelled extensively to establish various chapters of the NCBW throughout the country and energetically supported women running for public office. A champion of children and women, Ms. Morris-Yamba influenced generations of Essex County and Newark residents with her kindness.”

“Trish Morris-Yamba was a wonderful woman who gave so much. She loved children and led generations to a better life through her work,” Deputy Chief of Staff William Payne said.

“What Trish did will outlive her life on this earth. She believed in the empowerment of children and women,” said her husband, Zachary Yamba.

The plaque for Ramon Rivera begins with a quote by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor: “It is important for all of us to appreciate where we come from and how that history has really shaped us in ways that we might not understand.” It continues with: “A passionate civil rights advocate, Ramon Rivera was the founder of La Casa de Don Pedro, a community organization committed to empowering the under-served Latino families in the North Ward of Newark. As its first Executive Director, Mr. Rivera’s 23-year tenure saw the organization’s growth into a social services entity that provided childhood education, afterschool programs, youth leadership initiatives, Weatherization and Home Energy Assistance, and a Hispanic Women’s Resource Center. Always the political activist, Mr. Rivera worked locally with the Black and Puerto Rican Convention that led to the election of Newark’s first African American Mayor, Kenneth A. Gibson. On a statewide level, Mr. Rivera was involved with the New Jersey Hispanic Women’s Task Force and successfully lobbied for a bill establishing Women’s Resource Centers throughout the state. A charismatic individual whose mission was to bring political representation to Puerto Ricans and other Latinos, Mr. Rivera left an indelible mark on the City of Newark and Essex County.”

“Ramon knew the importance of equity, inclusion and fairness. He was an amazing spirit at a time when there wasn’t a place for Latinos,” NJ State Senator and Deputy Chief of Staff Teresa Ruiz said.

“We appreciate this so much because my father’s legacy will live on. He was a revolutionary, giving the community he represented a voice,” said his son, Ramon Rivera.

The former 13^th Avenue on the southern side of the Essex County Hall of Records was transformed into a tree-lined promenade when the Jurors’ parking garage was opened in 2008. It was later named “Legends Way” and features bronze plaques recognizing people who have made significant contributions to Essex County. The plaques feature Major League Baseball Hall of Fame players Yogi Berra, Larry Doby and Monte Irvin; the late Monsignor William Lindor, founder and director of New Community Corporation; the late author and Newark native Philip Roth; the late Balozi Harvey, who was Director of the Essex County Office of Cultural Diversity and Affirmative Action & the Essex County Economic Development Corporation; the late Dr. Leon Smith, who was an infectious disease specialist; the late Lawrence “Lonnie” Wright, who was a two-sport professional athlete and Director of Minority and Underrepresented Student Recruitment at UMDNJ; the late John J. Clancy, who served as the first Director of the Essex County Division of Youth Services; the late Adrian M. Foley, Jr., who served as Essex County Surrogate; the late Samuel Brummer, owner of Hobby’s Delicatessen and veteran who landed at D-Day during World War II; the late Cephas Bowles, longtime WBGO Executive Director; the late Larrie West Stalks, former Essex County Register; the late Clement A. Price, Rutgers University History Professor and Newark and Essex County Historian; the late D. Bilal Beasley, Irvington City Councilman and Essex County Freeholder; the late Raymond Durkin, long-time Chairman of the Essex County Democratic Committee and New Jersey Democratic Party; the late Philip Thigpen, Essex County Register and long-time Essex County Democratic Committee Chairman; the late Thomas Durkin, a prominent Essex County attorney; the late Lena Donaldson Griffith, a cultural arts and civil rights pioneer in Newark and Essex County; the late Raymond Brown, a civil rights leader and long-time attorney; and the late Superior Court Justice Thomas “Timmy” McCormack, who was one of the authors of the County’s current Administrative Code and Freeholder By-Laws.

In addition, several buildings and open spaces in the Essex County Government Complex have been named after prominent people who have influenced the development of Essex County. The plaza in front of the Hall of Records and a bronze statue honor Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; the park next to the Historic Courthouse and statue in front of the Hall of Records honor Barringer High School graduate and U.S. Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan, Jr.; a plaza in front of the Essex County Veterans Courthouse and a statue honor Civil Rights pioneer Rosa Parks; the plaza in front of the LeRoy Smith Public Safety Building and a statue honor the late Congressman Donald M. Payne, who was the first African American Congressman in New Jersey; the plaza at the south entrance of the Veterans Courthouse and a statue honor former New Jersey Governor and Essex County Prosecutor Brendan Byrne; and the plaza in the Essex County Veterans Memorial Park and a statue honor the late Jorge Oliveira, a 10-year veteran of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office who was killed while serving his country in Afghanistan. The Veterans Courthouse and the Essex County Veterans Memorial Park are named as a tribute to the men and women who have defended our country and freedoms while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The Essex County LeRoy F. Smith, Jr., Public Safety Building is named for LeRoy Smith, a Newark resident who served as Deputy Director of Emergency Medical Services for the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey for 38 years before retiring in 2007. In Brennan Park is a monument recognizing the late Charles Cummings, who served as the official Newark historian and librarian with the Newark Public Library for over 40 years. The plaza in front of the Historic Courthouse is named for former Essex County Prosecutor James Lordi.