N.J. Admin. Code § Executive Order No. 372 (2024)
An Order Directing that the Flag of the United States of America and the Flag of New Jersey Shall Be Flown at Half-Staff at All State Departments, Offices, Agencies, Instrumentalities, and All Public Buildings During Appropriate Hours from Friday, December 13, 2024, Through Sunday, December 15, 2024, in Recognition and Mourning of a Dedicated Public Servant, Former Newark City Council President Mildred Coleman Crump
Issued: December 10, 2024.
Effective: December 10, 2024.
WHEREAS, former Newark City Council President Mildred Coleman Crump was born on November 3, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan; and
WHEREAS, after graduating from public school in Detroit, Council President Crump attended Wayne State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in special education for persons who are blind or visually impaired, and subsequently received a master's degree in public administration from Rutgers University; and
WHEREAS, in 1965, Council President Crump moved to New Jersey with her beloved husband, Cecil Crump, and became the first Black Braille teacher in the State; and
WHEREAS, while teaching in New Jersey, Council President Crump became a dedicated community advocate and champion of women's equality, helping to organize support for women candidates seeking election to public office in Newark; and
WHEREAS, in 1994, Council President Crump became the first Black woman elected to the Newark City Council, where she initially served the people of Newark until 1998 before returning to the City Council in 2006 and serving until 2021; and
WHEREAS, after returning to the City Council in 2006, Council President Crump became the first woman to serve as President of the Newark City Council--a position she would hold for over a decade--furthering her legacy as a trailblazer; and
WHEREAS, during her tenure, Council President Crump deftly advocated for the most vulnerable in her community, working to uplift New Jersey's women, children, senior citizens, families, and residents with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, in addition to her extraordinary service on the Newark City Council, Council President Crump served in leadership roles with several community organizations throughout her lifetime, including Habitat for Humanity; Integrity House; Bridge to Recovery; the National Museum of African American History and Culture; and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); and
WHEREAS, Council President Crump was the founder of the Newark Women's Conference, Inc., an organization with a mission to promote women's empowerment, and a founding member of the New Jersey Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.; the National Political Congress for Black Women of Newark; and the Global Women's Leadership Collaborative of New Jersey; and
WHEREAS, Council President Crump was well known for her tenacity, leadership, kindness, integrity, and tireless commitment to improving the lives of those in her Newark community, throughout the State, and beyond; and
WHEREAS, Council President Crump passed away on December 1, 2024, at the age of 86; and
WHEREAS, Council President Crump was a loving wife to her husband Cecil, who predeceased her, and she is survived by her sister, Jean Abernathy Smith; her son, Cecil Lawrence ("Larry") Crump; her daughter, Sheri E. ("Sage") Crump; and her grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, it is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of Council President Crump, who will be deeply missed by her family, friends, former colleagues, the City of Newark and its residents, and the people of New Jersey; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to honor the life, legacy, friendship, and many accomplishments of Council President Crump, and to mark her passing;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, PHILIP D. MURPHY, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:
N.J. Admin. Code Executive Order No. 372 (2024)