A Candid Conversation Between Newark Native Sons

At its inaugural event, the A’Dorian Murray-Thomas Civic Association hosted a live-streamed, candid conversation between two native sons of Newark. Once rival mayoral candidates, Newark, NJ Mayor Ras J. Baraka and KIPP Schools CEO Shavar Jeffries faced off in the 2014 mayoral contest. Nearly a decade later, the two leaders sat down for their first-ever public conversation—reflecting on the past and looking ahead to the future of the great City of Newark.

Topics ranged from honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and discussing the latest election results to sharing the important lessons they’ve learned since their campaign.

The mission of the A’Dorian Murray-Thomas Civic Association is to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to become active, informed citizens. The organization strives to uplift communities by fostering a culture of participation, inclusivity, and mutual support. Through education, it aims to inspire and equip people with the skills and understanding needed to drive positive social change.

The event was moderated by the organization’s founder and principal officer, A’Dorian Murray-Thomas, and was live-streamed on Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.

Ms. Murray-Thomas made history as the youngest woman elected to the Essex County Board of Commissioners. She also serves as Chair of the New Jersey Democratic Women’s Caucus and is the founder and CEO of SHE Wins Inc.—a leadership and mentoring organization for girls and young women who, like her, have lost a loved one to gun violence.

Born and raised in Newark, Ms. Murray-Thomas won a historic election at the age of 23, becoming the youngest woman ever elected to the Newark Board of Education, representing the largest school district in the State of New Jersey.

—TPC Staff