A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Ras Baraka's life and career.
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.
In 2013, there was a surge of violence leading to 111 homicides which was the highest since 1990.
Beginning in 2008, 6,810 homes were foreclosed in Newark by mid-2013.
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".
In 2010, Newark homes were partially financed by underwater mortgages, partially as a result of the 2010 United States foreclosure crisis.
By mid-2013, homeowners in Newark lost roughly $1.8 billion in home values.
In 2013, Newark had a budget deficit of $30 million.
In February 2014, a New Jersey State Comptroller report revealed irregularities and corruption within the Newark Watershed and Development Corporation.
In April 2014, a Superior Court judge ruled that Newark must continue to fund the Newark Watershed and Development Corporation during the dismantling process, despite city council protests.
In June 2014, State-appointed Superintendent Anderson's contract was renewed, despite calls from Baraka for his ouster.
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.
As of June 30 in 2014, there had been 43 homicides in Newark.
In the 2014 mayoral election, Ras Baraka and his campaign treasurer allegedly violated campaign finance rules in the 2014 mayoral election.
As of 2015, few houses had been built on the plots sold in the 2014 Valentine's Day building lot sale due to insufficient financing.
In November 2017, Ras Baraka and his campaign treasurer were issued a 28-count complaint by the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission, alleging they violated campaign finance rules in the 2014 mayoral election.
In 2019, the city of Newark recorded 51 homicides.
In 2020, the city of Newark recorded 51 homicides.
In March 2023, Ras Baraka invited representatives of Kailaasa, a self-proclaimed micronation, to Newark's City Hall to enter a "cultural trade agreement" and become sister cities; later revealed to be a scam.
In May 2025, Ras Baraka was arrested and detained at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in Delaney Hall where he had been protesting and opposing the facility several times beforehand.
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