Welcome to The Newark Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Newark Caribbean Festival

• History on the 1967 Newark riots

• And much more…

Quote of the Week

"It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop."

–Confucius

Important Updates

Finance

• Drone Flight at Newark City Hall Budget Session Highlights Reservoir Safety.

• August 20 Town Council meeting is canceled

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Music

🎭 Newark Caribbean Festival
Mulberry Commons, Newark, NJ
August 17th

🎬 Outdoor Tribute Festival
Newark Showground, Newark, NJ
August 18th

Newark Historical Events

1967: Newark Riots

The Newark Riots of July 1967 were one of the most significant and traumatic events in the city’s history, reflecting deep-seated racial tensions and socio-economic disparities. The riots were sparked by the arrest and beating of a Black taxi driver by white police officers, which ignited long-simmering frustrations within the African American community regarding police brutality, housing discrimination, and unemployment. Over the course of five days, the city was engulfed in violence, with widespread looting, arson, and clashes between residents and law enforcement.

The riots resulted in 26 deaths, hundreds of injuries, and millions of dollars in property damage. The destruction devastated Newark’s Central Ward, a predominantly Black neighborhood, and left lasting scars on the city’s social and economic fabric. Businesses were destroyed, leading to a decline in economic activity, and many residents fled the city, accelerating the trend of white flight and contributing to the city's urban decline in the following decades.

The Newark Riots had far-reaching consequences, prompting a re-examination of race relations and urban policy in the United States. The event highlighted the urgent need for reforms in policing, housing, and economic opportunities for marginalized communities. While the riots marked a period of decline for Newark, they also sparked activism and efforts toward rebuilding and reconciliation in the years that followed. Today, the riots are remembered as a turning point in Newark's history, influencing the city's ongoing efforts to address inequality and revitalize its neighborhoods.

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I would love to hear from you.

-Yannick Lyons