Celebrating Mildred C. Crump
A Legacy of Love!
The recent passing of our dear friend and leader, The Hon. Mildred C. Crump just broke our hearts at The Positive Community. Mildred (affectionately) was the first Black councilwoman and the first woman to serve as Municipal Council President in the City of Newark.
We can only Imagine the challenges she must have faced (Google her bio). Yet, Mildred was a blessing to us; our special guardian angel: always friendly and kind, a mighty encourager with a warrior spirit!
Mildred’s story with TPC began in our first year of publishing in 2000. She early recognized the value of our work when she honored TPC co-founder and Editor, Jean Nash Wells at her annual Women’s Leadership Luncheon.
Throughout the years, we enjoyed a wonderful productive relationship. As the only black magazine publisher in the state, she ensured our support from the city, churches and many organizations as she championed black news.
Marcia Wilson-Brown, Esq., Vice Chancellor Rutgers Newark (ret.) and I served as board co-chairs for the Newark School of Theology for five years. The school would regularly host conferences and lectures. Mildred and her friend, future councilwoman Rev. Louise Scott Rountree, hardly ever missed an event.
Also, Mildred was the inspiration behind the Cultural Narrative. It was May of 2012, when Mildred and NJ political consultant and lobbyist, Jeannine LaRue asked me to lunch at Jay’s restaurant. They offered me an opportunity to serve as Honorary Chair for the NJ observance of the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, January 1, 2013.
At that time, I had no idea that promoting Emancipation Day awareness would be such a challenge. The African American Cultural Narrative (AACN) was first written and introduced as part of TPC’s “Great Watch Night Initiative” on December 31, 2012.
At about midnight, scores of churches throughout the NY/NJ/Conn region participated by having young people read the Cultural Narrative before their congregations. Thanks in large part to Mildred’s commitment, It was a success, and we have the testimonials to support our claim.
A Detroit native and former public school teacher, she would boast that she once taught Stevie Wonder Braille in grade school. She was the first Black woman in that city to teach Braille; and the first African American to teach blind students in NJ public schools.
Mildred also took her love and encouragement abroad. She traveled extensively to Africa, ultimately raising thousands of dollars to help open a school for the blind in Ghana.
The theme of this year’s Great American Emancipation Day Awards celebration is, A Legacy of Love. It was inspired by Mildred Crump’s leadership example of selfless service. We are proud that the first recipient of The Mildred C.Crump Loving Service Award is Mildred’s former Chief of Staff, her son. The Hon. C. Lawrence Crump is currently Municipal Council President for the City of Newark will receive this award in his mother’s name!
Yes we greatly miss our sister. But two things we know: the people loved, admired and respected their leader and friend, and Mildred loved TPC and we loved Mildred Crump!
