Oliver Tribute: Ted Green

“On behalf of the City of East Orange, I am sending my deepest condolences to the family of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, one of the greatest trailblazers our state has ever known. I am shocked and profoundly heartbroken to learn of her passing.

She was a phenomenal woman who inspired us with her passion, knowledge and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Her love for East Orange, Essex County and the State of New Jersey was second to none and her accomplishments made us so proud.

But not only was she a political giant, she was a personal friend who guided me and one of the first people to endorse me as the 14th Mayor of East Orange. I always remember that she used to tell me that if I didn’t get invited to the table, then I needed to bring my own seat. And that’s what she did. She brought her seat to the table and made the table bigger for everyone to have a seat.

Her legacy cannot be overstated. She did everything with passion. Social justice, education and equality were the pillars of her platform and she was the epitome of a person who understood how to help and nurture people. Even in her position as Lt. Governor, she continued to care for her mother. That speaks volumes to her character and the essence of who she was and will always be to our community.

We lost a family member today and we will miss her dearly. May she rest in perfect peace.”