Ras Jua Baraka, born April 9, 1970, in Newark, New Jersey, is the 40th Mayor of Newark, serving since July 1, 2014.

 

A Democrat, he was re-elected in 2018 and 2022. Raised in Newark, where his family has resided for over 80 years, Baraka is the son of renowned poets Amiri and Amina Baraka.

 

Educated in Newark Public Schools, he earned a Bachelor’s in Political Science and History from Howard University and a Master’s in Education Supervision from St. Peter’s University. Before becoming mayor, he taught for a decade, served as principal of Central High School, and was a Newark Municipal Council member, briefly acting as deputy mayor.

 

His progressive leadership reduced crime to a 60-year low, replaced 23,000 lead service lines, and lowered homelessness by 57%. Baraka’s Hire. Buy. Live. Newark initiative transformed the city’s economy. 

 

A published author and poet, he appeared on Lauryn Hill’s Grammy-winning album and released an EP. Baraka, a father and husband, champions equity and community development.