Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Ras Baraka

How Ras Baraka built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Ras Baraka is an American politician, author, and educator currently serving as the 40th mayor of Newark, New Jersey. A Democrat, he was first elected in 2014 and subsequently re-elected in 2018 and 2022. Baraka's work also includes writing and teaching, demonstrating his commitment to both political leadership and community development.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

1992: Baraka Edits "In the Tradition: An Anthology of Young Black Writers"

In 1992, Ras Baraka edited the book "In the Tradition: An Anthology of Young Black Writers".

1994: Baraka's First Mayoral Campaign

In 1994, Ras Baraka ran his first campaign for mayor at the age of 24.

1998: Baraka Featured on Lauryn Hill's Album

In 1998, Ras Baraka was featured on Lauryn Hill's album, "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill", as the narrator of several interludes. He also recorded the intro to The Fugees' second album, "The Score".

2002: Baraka Became Newark Municipal Council Member

In 2002, Ras Baraka became a Newark Municipal Council member and was appointed deputy mayor.

November 2005: Baraka Voted to Complete Council Term

In November 2005, Ras Baraka was voted to complete the term vacated by the deceased Councilmember-at-Large Donald Kofi Tucker.

2006: Baraka Ends Council Member Tenure

In 2006, Ras Baraka concluded his tenure as a Newark Municipal Council member.

2007: Baraka Becomes Principal of Central High School

In 2007, Ras Baraka became the principal of Central High School.

May 2010: Baraka Defeats Oscar James II

In May 2010, Ras Baraka defeated then-councilman Oscar James II in a contested election. This election was documented on the Sundance reality television series "Brick City".

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2010: Zuckerberg Donates to Newark School System

In 2010, Mark Zuckerberg donated $100 million to the Newark school system through his foundation StartUp Education.

August 2013: Council Members Back Baraka's Mayoral Candidacy

In August 2013, fellow council members Mildred C. Crump and Ronald C. Rice formally backed Ras Baraka's candidacy for the 2014 Newark mayoral election.

October 2013: Booker Resigns Mayoral Seat

In October 2013, Cory Booker resigned from his position as mayor of Newark after being elected to the United States Senate, leading to a special election in 2014 where Ras Baraka was ultimately elected as his successor.

October 2013: Baraka Introduced Crime Reduction Program

In October 2013, Ras Baraka introduced his program to deal with crime and gang violence in Newark, named the "Ras Baraka Blueprint to Reduce Crime and Violence in Newark".

December 2013: Communication Workers of America Endorses Baraka

In December 2013, the Communication Workers of America endorsed Ras Baraka.

2013: Baraka Ends Tenure as Principal of Central High School

In 2013, Ras Baraka concluded his tenure as principal of Central High School.

February 2014: Baraka Receives Endorsements

In February 2014, Ras Baraka received the endorsement of former New Jersey Governor Richard Codey and Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop.

March 2014: Baraka Calls for Audit of Newark Watershed

In March 2014, Ras Baraka called for a forensic audit of the Newark Watershed and Development Corporation.

May 13, 2014: Baraka Sworn in as Mayor of Newark

On May 13, 2014, Ras Baraka was sworn in as the 40th mayor of Newark, New Jersey, marking the start of his first term in office.

May 2014: Newark Granted Local Powers Over Budget and Finance

In May 2014, Newark was granted local powers over budget and finance for its schools, but the state retained the right to veto any action and appoint the superintendent.

May 2014: Resolution to Purchase Underwater Mortgages

In May 2014, Ras Baraka introduced a resolution adopted by the municipal council to purchase homes with underwater mortgages through eminent domain and refinance them.

May 28, 2014: Baraka Announces Transition Team

On May 28, 2014, Ras Baraka announced his transition team, which was headed by former mayor Kenneth Gibson.

July 1, 2014: Baraka Sworn In

On July 1, 2014, Ras Baraka was officially sworn in as the 40th mayor of Newark at a ceremony at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.

August 2014: Baraka Considers Asking for Emergency Aid

In August 2014, Ras Baraka considered asking for emergency aid from the state due to a $30 million deficit in the city's 2013 budget and an anticipated $60 million deficit for 2014.

September 2014: Newark Auctions Properties and Receives Transitional Aid

In September 2014, the city of Newark auctioned foreclosed properties to raise funds and was awarded $10 million in transitional aid from the state's Department of Community Affairs.

2014: Model Neighborhoods Program Initiated

In 2014, Ras Baraka initiated a program called "Model Neighborhoods" intended to take a comprehensive approach to addressing the factors causing troubled neighborhoods.

2014: Baraka Runs in Newark Mayoral Election

In 2014, Ras Baraka ran in the Newark mayoral election against Shavar Jeffries.

2014: Meetings with Booker, Christie, and DiVincenzo

In 2014, shortly after winning the election, Ras Baraka initiated meetings with Cory Booker, Governor Chris Christie, and Essex Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

2014: Valentine's Day Building Lot Sale

In 2014, the city of Newark initiated a Valentine's Day building lot sale in which married couples could purchase housing plots for $1,000, provided they built a house within 18 months.