Ras J. Baraka was elected the 40th Mayor of the City of Newark in May 2014.
His progressive approach to governing has won the Newark native accolades from grassroots organizations to the White House. He was listed in The Nation’s “2015 Most Valuable Progressives” as “Most Valuable Mayor”, Ebony Magazine’s “Power 100” and on the front page of the New York Times for “defying expectations” during his first year-and-half in office. President Barack Obama announced his sweeping plan for criminal justice reform while visiting a Newark reentry center with the Mayor and because of Mayor Baraka’s diplomatic skill and strong advocacy, Newark Public Schools can expect to be returned to the control of the City for the first time in more than two decades. Throughout the City’s five wards, he is beloved as an educator, former principal, basketball coach, neighbor, mentor and friend.
