News

January 10, 2022

MAYOR BARAKA STATEMENT ON PASSING OF BROTHER JAMES MTUME

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My prayers and condolences go out to the Mtume family as the world mourns the loss of an incredible icon for our community and our culture. Brother James Mtume wrote scores for films and hits for so many artists. His musical genius, body of work, and its influence still resonate in artists’ music today.

“What I loved most about Brother Mtume was the love that he had for his people and his commitment and never-ending fight for justice. As one of the lead organizers of the upcoming National Black Political Convention, Brother Mtume hoped to create actionable steps to move our people forward.

“On the same day that we lost Brother Mtume, in 2014 was the day I lost my father, Amiri Baraka Sr., and we will continue to honor them both through this work as their legacy will continue in Newark and beyond.”

-NEWARK-

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