A Good and Faithful Servant

I celebrate the life of Newark Mayor Kenneth Allen Gibson as a trailblazer who knew that public service was often about the quiet work done beyond the media’s bright spotlight – without fanfare or self-promotion.

Mayor Gibson understood that the people’s work required compromise, consensus and character.  The first African-American elected to be mayor of a major northeastern city, Mayor Gibson strove to heal the scars of a rebellion-torn Newark in the aftermath of division and violence.  He made allies out of enemies and bridges out of barricades.

As a young man, I witnessed his endurance at the negotiating table, the endless public meetings and the campaign trail.  He was forever focused on the road ahead.

I will also remember him as an elder statesman, providing wise counsel to the next generation of leaders.  Those of us in public life are standing tall on the shoulders of Mayor Gibson.

He has run with endurance the race God set before him, to finally hear the words: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Godspeed, Mr. Mayor

Mayor Dwayne D. Warren, Esq
City of Orange Township