New Monument Honors Memory Of Sheila Oliver In Essex County

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A monument to late New Jersey Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver was dedicated in Essex County on Wednesday.

Oliver, 71, died last year. She was born in Newark and lived in East Orange. Read More: Essex County Native Sheila Oliver Dies; NJ 'Hero' Had Deep Local Roots

Gov. Phil Murphy first chose the self-described “Jersey Girl” as his running mate in the 2017 election, which they won. Murphy and Oliver were re-elected in 2021.

Oliver blazed multiple trails throughout her political career, becoming the first female African American to serve as Assembly speaker when she was elected in 2010, and the first African American elected to a statewide office when she was elected with Murphy in 2017.

The new bronze bust in her honor is located on the first floor of the Essex County Martin Luther King, Jr. Justice Building in Newark, and rests on a granite pedestal that is inscribed with a quote by Oliver: “I never set out to get involved in politics, but I knew that politics could transform lives.”

The memorial bust of Oliver – created by Jay Warren of Oregon – was unveiled as the county gave the Essex County Division of Family Assistance and Benefits building at 320-321 University Avenue in Newark a new name in her honor: the “Essex County Sheila Y. Oliver Division of Family Assistance and Benefits Headquarters.”

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr., who was one of the many local officials and community leaders who mourned Oliver last year, said her legacy remains strong in the region.

“[Oliver] was a trailblazer and pioneer who broke racial and gender boundaries in politics and government,” DiVincenzo said. “Naming our DFAB building in her honor will keep Sheila’s legacy alive, give hope to those who come to our offices seeking assistance and inspire future generations to help others.”

Renee Oliver, the late lieutenant governor’s niece and president of the Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association, said her family was “filled with an immense amount of pride and emotion” when they viewed the new monument.

“My aunt dedicated her life to helping those in need and being a voice for the voiceless,” Oliver said. “May these dedications serve as a constant reminder for those that come across them, to lead with excellence and serve with grace.”

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