Challenges in the Life of Ras Baraka in a Detailed Timeline

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.

Sections (4)

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

1990: Highest Homicide Total Since 1990

In 2013, there was a surge of violence leading to 111 homicides which was the highest since 1990.

2008: Foreclosures Begin

Beginning in 2008, 6,810 homes were foreclosed in Newark by mid-2013.

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: The 2010 United States foreclosure crisis

In 2010, Newark homes were partially financed by underwater mortgages, partially as a result of the 2010 United States foreclosure crisis.

2013: Home Values Lost

By mid-2013, homeowners in Newark lost roughly $1.8 billion in home values.

2013: City of Newark Budget Deficit in 2013

In 2013, Newark had a budget deficit of $30 million.

February 2014: Report of Irregularities within Newark Watershed

In February 2014, a New Jersey State Comptroller report revealed irregularities and corruption within the Newark Watershed and Development Corporation.

April 2014: Court Rules City Must Fund Watershed Agency

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.

June 2014: Anderson's Contract Renewed

In June 2014, State-appointed Superintendent Anderson's contract was renewed, despite calls from Baraka for his ouster.

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.

2014: Homicides in 2014

As of June 30 in 2014, there had been 43 homicides in Newark.

2014: Campaign Finance Rules Allegedly Violated

In the 2014 mayoral election, Ras Baraka and his campaign treasurer allegedly violated campaign finance rules in the 2014 mayoral election.

2015: Few Houses Built on Sold Lots

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.

November 2017: Campaign Finance Complaint Issued

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.

2019: 51 Homicides in Newark

In 2019, the city of Newark recorded 51 homicides.

2020: 51 Homicides in Newark

In 2020, the city of Newark recorded 51 homicides.

March 2023: Cultural Trade Agreement with Kailaasa

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.

May 2025: Arrest at ICE Detention Center

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.