Gittens had served as Assemblywoman's
Chief of Staff since 2018

"Ed and I first met at a Trenton City Council meeting in 2011, where he was advocating for Ban the Box legislation. He believed people returning home deserved a fair opportunity to enter the workforce without being judged by their past before they could even get through the door.

"In 2018, when I joined the New Jersey General Assembly, Ed became my Chief of Staff. We made a great team. I was the heavyweight, and Ed was the nice guy. He had a talent for balancing people, policy and politics.

"He understood my passion for speaking out on inequality, fighting for second chances, and advocating for those whose voices are often ignored.

"Just last month, Ed stood proudly with me as we celebrated the passage of the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey. The Act represents values that Ed believed in deeply – protecting and expanding voting rights for Black voters and other voters of color who are disproportionately harmed by discriminatory practices and barriers to voting.

"Ed worked long hours, days and many late nights. He was there on weekends. He showed up at churches, community events, door knocking on my campaign, meetings, book clubs discussions and wherever people needed help.

"Ed was truly present.

"He was a proud Kappa man. He was never one to say yes to everything. Ed would tell you exactly what he thought, whether you wanted to hear it or not. Sometimes you just wanted him to be quiet for five minutes. But that honesty was part of what made Ed, Ed.

"I am deeply thankful for every year of friendship, and for all the ways Ed supported, challenged, encouraged, and stood by me.

"Today, I mourn my friend.

"My heart and prayers are with Ed’s family, his loved ones, his Kappa brothers, and everyone whose lives he touched.

"Rest in Peace, Ed.

"Tremendously Grateful,

"Verlina"