Ahilia Munna 
From Montclair to Newark, Essex County is full of influential figures who have shaped their community. Whether that means pushing boundaries in local or state politics, reforming methods to increase public safety, or encouraging the youth to take charge of their futures, these leaders share a few things in common. They are ambitious, creative, and visionaries as they strive to challenge the status quo and transform Essex County. This Black History Month, The Montclair Girl recognizes our local leaders for their accomplishments. Read on to learn more about these 10 influential Black leaders from Essex County.
Please note: We can add to this list at any time, no one was left out intentionally. Please email [email protected] to suggest additions to the list.
Background Photo Credit: @woomantsing
A’Dorian Murray-Thomas | District 2 Commissioner
A’Dorian Murray-Thomas, elected in 2023, is the youngest member of the Board of Commissioners. A Newark native, she founded SHE Wins Inc. to lead and mentor girls who have lost loved ones to gun violence and has been recognized for her leadership, receiving titles such as a President Obama White House Champion of Change. Murray-Thomas is currently earning an advanced Master’s degree at Princeton University.
Photo Credit: @ADorianMurrayThomas
Amir D. Jones | Essex County Sheriff
Photo Credit: @Sheriff Amir D. Jones
Amir Jones was elected Essex County Sheriff in 2024 and has had a career in law enforcement since 2012. With his leadership, there has been an overall average of a 40% drop in crime and a removal of nearly 500 guns and illegal narcotics worth nearly $5 million. Jones is committed to making Essex County safer through “community-driven, problem-oriented, and intelligence-led policing.”
Read more: A List of Black-Owned Businesses to Support in Montclair + Bloomfield
C. Lawrence Crump | Council President, Council Member At-Large
Photo Credit: City of Newark
C. Lawrence Crump, a public servant devoted to Newark and its residents, has been a Newark council member since 2021 and council president since 2024. With his experience in law and government, he has provided important insight and advice within the council and as general counsel and director of development for the Newark Parking Authority. Crump is an active civilian, participating as a member of different local Newark organizations and Saint James A.M.E. Church.
Eddie Fuquon Brown | Founder of Fuquon’s Federation of Martial Arts
Photo Credit: Essex County, Board of Commissioners
“Chief” Eddie Fuquon Brown is the founder of Fuquon’s Federation of Martial Arts. Brown is a Grand Master 8th degree black belt and has studied various forms of martial arts such as Kung Fu, Judo, and Tae Kwon Do. Brown’s unique style, “The Hardcore Martial Arts System” is a key component of the Federation’s teaching system and has led to much success. Reputed for intense training and mental and physical demand, the Federation has led its students to winning many achievements at the state, regional, and national levels.
Elsie Barrick | Real Estate Agent and Community Leader
Photo Credit: Elsie Barrick
Elsie Barrick is a Montclair native who has a diverse real estate career and is a board member of many nonprofit housing organizations. With her career experience, she supports and protects senior housing by serving on boards such as the Board of Directors for Montclair Senior Housing. As a Legacy Life Member of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc and the Second Vice President for the Montclair Section, Barrick upholds the mission to enlighten, inspire, and connect millions of women and men.
LaMonica McIver | State Representative
Photo Credit: @RepLaMonica
LaMonica McIver is the first Black woman to represent New Jersey’s 10th congressional district and the youngest representative ever elected from New Jersey. Passionate about politics and civic engagement since she was a child, McIver is a Newark local who served on the Newark City Council for six years. As a congresswoman, Representative McIver intends to address and resolve the interconnected issues of the affordability crisis, healthcare, education, and climate change.
Ras Baraka | Mayor of Newark
Photo Credit: @RasJBaraka
Ras Baraka is a Newark native and has been the mayor of Newark since 2014. He is known for his progressive platform, such as designating Newark as a sanctuary city to protect the immigrant population. Baraka’s achievements include reducing crime, tackling the housing affordability crisis, increasing employment, improving public schools, and improving public transportation.
Sakina Pitts | Principal of the Newark School of Fashion and Design
Photo Credit: Newark Board of Education
As the principal, Sakina Pitts leads the Newark School of Fashion and Design by valuing cultural relevance, safety, nutrition, and discipline, and encouraging students to maximize their fullest potential. The school has seen major growth in test scores, community relations, and parental involvement under her leadership. Pitts aims to close equity gaps in education and enact change in her community by participating in the “Off School Grounds” Educational Coalition.
Shanique Speight | Assemblywoman
Photo Credit: @shanique_speight
Representing New Jersey’s 29th legislative district, Shanique Speight has served in the New Jersey General Assembly since 2018 and has been the deputy speaker since 2024. She is a member of the Aging and Human Services (AHU), Health Infrastructure (AHN), and Regulated Professions (ARP) committees. Speight sponsors bills that reform criminal justice, tackle affordability, and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
See more: 26 Black Community Leaders Making a Difference in Hoboken + Jersey City
Talia L. Young | President and CEO of Newark Symphony Hall
Photo Credit: Talia L. Young
Talia Young is the President and CEO of Newark Symphony Hall and has led using her unconventional creative vision. Active in several programs and organizations, Young is experienced in “entrepreneurship, economic development, social impact initiatives and federal government policy.” Notably, she has founded programs like Space 2 Create Social Impact Community Development Corporation (S2C) and JUNE-TEE, which aim to support and empower communities of color through economic equity and sustainability.
Tammy Hollaway | President of the Historic James St. Commons Neighborhood Association in Newark + Treasurer for the Essex County Schools PTSA
Tammy serves as President of the Historic James St. Commons Neighborhood Association in Newark and as Treasurer for the Essex County Schools PTSA. In these roles, she leads grassroots, community-focused organizing efforts, builds strategic partnerships with anchor organizations, and drives meaningful community engagement initiatives.
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