Dear Newark Central Ward Residents,

First, let me start by congratulating Newark’s Central Ward Councilwoman LaMonica McIver, who won the unexpired term for Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr.’s seat. This congratulations is extended while we continue to pray fervently for Congressman Payne, Jr.’s family and extend our heartfelt condolences on his passing. The legacy of the Payne family is unmatched in service to the community and will forever positively impact our city.

With Councilwoman McIver moving to Congress, that leaves a vacant seat, one I intend on filling.

Allow me to introduce myself to some and reintroduce myself to others:

I am Bishop Andre Speight, a proven leader whose life’s work reflects my profound commitment to transforming lives, building communities, and nurturing congregations.

Born and raised in Newark, NJ, I grew up in New Community Corporation (Homes Court) under the guidance of my grandparents. Despite the early challenges of losing my mother shortly after birth and never knowing my father, my grandmother’s guidance and my faith in God shaped me into the father, husband, pastor, community, and business leader I am today.

For the past 26 years, I have been happily married to Assemblywoman and County Sheriff Officer Shanique Davis Speight. Together, we have four children, each a product of Newark public schools. Their hopes, dreams, successes, challenges, and future, along with that of all of Newark’s families, drive my passion for positive change within our community.

My academic background includes degrees from Mount Ida College, Grace Word of God Seminary, Eastern Bible Institute, and Light House Christian College. These experiences have equipped me with the knowledge and skills to lead with both spiritual insight and practical wisdom.

I have served as the Senior Pastor at Sun Light Missionary Baptist Church since 2018, at God’s Deliverance Praise and Outreach Center since 2004, and currently at Congregational Baptist Church located in Newark’s Central Ward. My pastoral journey has allowed me to connect with diverse congregations and guide them with compassion and wisdom. Through active involvement in and outside the four walls of these churches, I’ve witnessed the resilience and needs of our neighbors firsthand. Furthermore, as President of the Newark Central Ward Ministers and Friends Alliance, I have dedicated myself to foster strong community bonds. my philanthropic efforts include offering housing assistance and providing crucial emotional support, tirelessly working to elevate the lives of those I serve.

In addition to my pastoral duties, I have been deeply involved in the civics of our community. Since 2010, I have chaired the Newark Central Ward Democratic County Committee. This role allows me to collaborate with fellow leaders and advocate for our community’s needs while ensuring people exercise their right to vote, unencumbered, and while being informed. I have also been successful collaborating with every other ward throughout the city with the goal of unity.

As a business owner and an employer, I run the Pyrilis Distribution Center and a local daycare. These two ventures are not just about success, they are about providing vital resources such as childcare and food distribution to the community. These roles have given me insights into the challenges and opportunities that our city faces daily, as well as the economic needs of both the business community and each residential household.

My Vision for Newark’s Central Ward:

– Balancing Development and Affordable Housing: We must support ongoing development while preserving housing options affordable to Newarkers within those developments. Our community thrives when we strike this delicate balance.

– Stronger Business Partnerships: I envision stronger ties with local, small, and big businesses, with the goal to create more opportunities for career entered jobs and training for Newarkers, which will be a necessary tool to attack the issues of poverty at its core.

– Unity: I am looking to be a partner to the current city council and our Mayor Ras J. Baraka, who has been the visionary behind many national and state models of success, from lead water line replacement to mentoring youth, to job and contract opportunities. I am looking forward to supporting the progress he and the council are making.

My decision to seek this seat is not one that I have taken lightly. It is a decision that I made only after much prayer and discussions with my family, community members, and district leaders who have each encouraged me to take this step forward in my lifelong dedicated journey of service.

I hope you will join me on this journey, which will only be with the purpose and goal of uplifting every resident of Newark’s Central Ward.

Sincerely,

Bishop Andre Speight

Pastor, Husband, Father, Central Ward Democratic Committee Chairman, and now Candidate to Fill the Vacancy of the Newark Central Ward Seat