Oliver Tribute: Kevin Brown

32BJ SEIU Executive Vice President and State Director Kevin Brown released the following statement on the death of Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver:

“New Jersey has lost a leader, advocate, and dedicated public servant. As the first Black woman to be elected as our state’s Lieutenant Governor, the first Black woman to serve as the Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly and the first Black woman elected to statewide office in New Jersey’s history, Sheila Oliver defined her career in government as a fearless trailblazer. Her dedication to the ideals of social, racial, and economic justice made her an indomitable force for good in her beloved Garden State. A Newark native and East Orange resident of over 40 years, Oliver rarely encountered an injustice she did not fight to undo. In addition to her dedicated work as Lieutenant Governor, Oliver’s leadership of the Department of Community Affairs helped improve cities across the state, specifically by expanding affordable housing and working to prevent homelessness, among numerous other accomplishments. Our union mourns the loss of this incredible woman who championed the rights of people of color and of the poor throughout her life. Her dedication to the Garden State and to racial, social and economic justice will never be forgotten.”