Governor Phil Murphy has issued Executive Order No. 372, mandating that U.S. and New Jersey flags be flown at half-staff from December 13 to December 15, 2024. This decision honors the memory of Mildred Coleman Crump, a former Newark City Council President who passed away on December 1, 2024, at the age of 86.
Crump was predeceased by her husband Cecil and is survived by her sister Jean Abernathy Smith; her son Cecil Lawrence “Larry” Crump; her daughter Sheri E. “Sage” Crump; and her grandchildren.
Having moved to New Jersey in 1965 with her husband, Crump became the state's first Black Braille teacher before entering politics. In 1994, she was elected to the Newark City Council as its first Black woman member. She later made history again in 2006 by becoming the first woman to serve as President of the council, a position she held for over ten years.
Throughout her career, Crump advocated for women, children, senior citizens, families, and residents with disabilities in Newark. Her dedication extended beyond government service into a legacy of leadership within both Newark and New Jersey.
Governor Murphy stated: “Former Council President Mildred Crump was a public servant renowned for her tenacity, kindness, and integrity.” He added that "Mildred advocated to protect the most vulnerable residents within her community," expressing condolences to her family while acknowledging her service.
