Altarik White Launches Campaign For Newark City Council: Here's His Platform

NEWARK, NJ — A former local football star who leads a youth outreach nonprofit is running for city council in Newark.

Altarik White Sr. officially launched his campaign for council member-at-large earlier this week. Learn more about his background and qualifications here.

White outlined his vision for Newark at a kickoff event last Thursday, pointing to a campaign platform that includes “economic opportunity, public safety, transparent government, and investments in youth and neighborhood improvement.”

Other campaign priorities include:

• “Cultivating the next generation through youth empowerment and educational development, providing them with similar training and opportunities that have proven success in his organization”
• “Fostering economic growth and creating employment opportunities across wards by supporting the growth of local businesses first”
• “Enhancing public safety with programs that focus on citizen action and alternative opportunities for youth”
• “Developing thriving Newark neighborhoods where families can afford to live and prosper in a healthy, safe environment”

White, a Newark native and the founder of Leaders for Life – a nonprofit that runs outreach programs for disenfranchised youths – is highlighting his experience as an educator, coach, businessman and community advocate.

According to a statement from his campaign team, some of White’s other work in the community has included:

• Established a community fridge and feeding initiative that has successfully provided food to over 25,000 Newark residents through various means, including holiday distributions, partner drives, and direct individual support
• Developed programs for formerly incarcerated individuals where they receive case management, mentoring, workforce credentials and job placement support
• Opened Jordan’s House, a transitional living facility for young men in Newark that offers safe housing with education, workforce training, and counseling
• Received accolades for his community work, including Joseph R. Biden President’s Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 and Core Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People”

“Newark deserves leadership that reflects the strength and diversity of our neighborhoods,” White said.

“I’m running for council member-at-large because I believe in a Newark where everyone—not just a few—has the chance to thrive,” he added. “Together, we can build safer streets, stronger schools, and real economic growth that lifts up every community.”

>> Are you a local candidate running for political office in Newark? Send campaign news releases and outreach to eric.kiefer@patch.com

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