Sharpe James
A SHARPE VIEW BRINGS TO LIFENewark’s longest serving (1986-2006) modern day Mayor Sharpe James whose extroverted personality, leadership style that bordered on civic and religious frenzy, emotional speeches defending Newark and his intemperate letters to his critics and detractors, part historian, part street fighter and always entertaining, made Newark a destination city and placed its future on a very high moral plane.Dr. Clement Price, Professor of history at Rutgers University, Newark Campus, Director of the Institute on Ethnicity, Culture, and the Modern Experience, Star Ledger, April 2, 2006.James’ Legacy: A proud Newark.Former NJ Governor Thomas H. Kean as President of Drew University in honoring Mayor James with its Doctor of Humane Letters, called James a modern-day Nehemiah. He entered local government when Newark was still reeling from the riots of the 1960s. He has called upon the citizens of Newark to help him rebuild the City’s great heritage. Sharpe James the former athlete, athletic director, college professor, Newark ward councilman, councilman-at-large, mayor and state senator, now spends time writing his memoir, mentoring youths, and caring for his wife of fifty-eight years Mary, and his 107 years old mother, Beulah, who takes no prescription medicine. God’s benevolence has been our lighthouse steering us through troubled waters
