Mayor Baraka's City-Wide Men's Meetings Inspires Newark Men

The City of Newark is presently undergoing a wave of economic development as it begins to bolster its profile. Over the last decade, the city has undertaken a slow but steady transformation into a hub for the arts and higher education, as well as the increasing vibrancy of its bustling neighborhoods. But, despite these positive progressions, and rapid increase of development, there remains a widening disparity between the places where glittering new towers are rising and the portions of the city where opportunity has yet to take place.

Recently, Mayor Ras J. Baraka launched unique training initiative puts Newark-based, minority and women contractors on the path to secure bonding and construction contracts in the City. The groundbreaking initiative called the Contractor Development Initiative (CDI) Program was launched in 2018 in conjunction with the Newark Community Development Corporation (NCDC). As an added incentive, the Mayor has also been hosting a series of “Citywide Men's Meetings". The Men’s Meetings are open to all men who want to empower themselves while gaining the necessary support, and learning the skills needed to help uplift their communities.

The Men’s meetings take place consistently every month to discuss starting businesses, and helping to usher a new era of development within the city. Mayor Baraka places emphasis on assisting Newark residents with the resources and skills needed to take advantage of the city’s booming development and contractual opportunities, so that they can possibly compete on a local and national level.

At the recent Men’s meeting over 100 men and a few ladies from the city gathered in the City’s council chambers. During the meeting, a local developer, Siree Morris who is currently working with the city on various projects laid out his experiences and future plans for development. Siree, who was born and raised in Newark and attended University High School, is now working to develop the first multi-unit container home in the entire state. The project is slated to break ground in 2019.

In a statement on his social media page, Mayor Baraka stated “We meet every single month without fail to discuss starting businesses, and developing our city. We believe our fate will always be in our own hands. Our legacy will be left to us. Our community is our responsibility. Our families depend on us and our city goes forward with us! And while others are trolling and searching for likes on social media we will be building”.

The Mayor’s Citywide Men’s meetings take place each month. For further information regarding the program, contact the Mayor’s Aide Al-Tarik Onque at Onquea@ci.newark.nj.us.