All of us at New Community were saddened to learn about the passing of New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver. She was a dedicated public servant and a pillar in our society. She served the people of New Jersey well and was always available to help when needed.
Sheila Oliver was born and raised in Newark and championed issues important to city residents during her work in public office, including affordable housing, social justice and the prevention of homelessness.
She was the first Black woman to serve as Assembly speaker in New Jersey and the first to be elected to statewide office when she became Lieutenant Governor.
Throughout her life’s work, as a nonprofit director, then an elected official and government servant/leader, Sheila always represented and supported the core values and programs NCC provided over the years. She consistently led the call for funding and resources for affordable housing development, workforce training, education and health care for residents in need. And we always appreciated her kind words for NCC’s history and service to residents of Newark and surrounding areas.
Her hard work for the people of this state will be greatly missed.
We pray for her and her family that they will find peace in their time of sorrow.
