NJ Will Lower Flags For Ex-Newark Councilwoman Mildred Crump

NEWARK, NJ — Flags will fly at half-staff in New Jersey this week to honor the life of former Newark City Council president Mildred Crump.

Crump died on Dec. 1 at the age of 86, leaving a hole in the hearts of the Newark community. Read More: City Mourns For Trailblazing Ex-Councilwoman, Mildred Crump

According to Gov. Phil Murphy, the state will be recognizing Crump’s contributions by flying U.S. and New Jersey flags at half-staff from Friday through Sunday.

Murphy said Crump was a public servant renowned for her “tenacity, kindness, and integrity.”

“Mildred advocated to protect the most vulnerable residents within her community,” the governor said. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to her loved ones and express our gratitude for her years of dedicated service.”

Murphy’s office provided the following background information about the former city councilwoman:

“Mildred Crump moved to New Jersey with her husband, Cecil Crump, in 1965. Prior to joining the Newark City Council, she became the state’s first Black Braille teacher. In 1994, she was elected to the Newark City Council, becoming the first Black woman to hold that position. In 2006, she made history again as the first woman to serve as president of the Newark City Council, a role she held for over a decade. Throughout her tenure, council president Crump was a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable, working to uplift women, children, senior citizens, families, and residents with disabilities across Newark. Beyond her service in government, council president Crump leaves behind a lasting legacy of leadership and unwavering dedication to her Newark community and the state of New Jersey.”

Crump is survived by her sister, Jean Abernathy Smith, her son, Cecil Lawrence “Larry” Crump, her daughter, Sheri E. “Sage” Crump, and her grandchildren.

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