Lizette Parker facts for kids

Lizette Parker (born August 31, 1971 – died April 24, 2016) was an American politician and social worker. She made history as the first African-American woman to become the Mayor of Teaneck, New Jersey. She served in this important role from 2014 until her passing in April 2016.

Her election was a big moment for Teaneck and for Bergen County. She was the first black woman to be a mayor anywhere in Bergen County. This county is the most populated in New Jersey. Interestingly, she followed Mayor Mohammed Hameeduddin. He was the first Muslim mayor in a Bergen County community.

Early Life and Education

Lizette Parker was born in Harlem, New York City. She grew up in Teaneck, New Jersey. She attended Teaneck High School.

After high school, she went to Montclair State University. There, she earned a degree in sociology. Later, she received a master's degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. This degree was in administrative science.

From 1992 to 2016, Parker worked as a social worker. She was a supervisor at the Bergen County Board of Social Services. She also served on the Teaneck Township Council. She was a council member from 2006 until her death in 2016. She was married to Anthony Parker and they had a daughter named Alyssa.

Becoming Mayor

Lizette Parker was re-elected to the Teaneck council in May 2014. She received the most votes among all council members. In Teaneck, the council members choose who will be mayor.

Parker had been the deputy mayor from 2006 to 2010. In 2014, the choice for mayor was discussed a lot. Traditionally, the person with the most votes became mayor. But some people did not want Parker to be chosen.

Estina Baker, from the local NAACP, said this was about "race and gender." Parker also spoke about this. Even so, Parker and former Mayor Hameeduddin worked together. They formed a group that led the City Council.

In 2007, as deputy mayor, Parker performed a special ceremony. She officiated the first same-sex civil union in New Jersey. This was a significant event for the state.

On July 1, 2014, the council voted. They all agreed to elect Lizette Parker as Mayor of Teaneck. She was sworn into office at the same meeting. This made her the first African-American female mayor of Teaneck. She was also the first black woman to be a mayor in any town in Bergen County, New Jersey. Her predecessor, Mohammed Hameeduddin, continued to serve as a councilman.

As mayor, she joined the New Jersey Black Mayors Alliance for Social Justice. This group spoke out against certain political statements. They disagreed with then-presidential candidate Donald Trump's idea to ban Muslim immigration.

Her Passing

Lizette Parker passed away on April 24, 2016. She was 44 years old. She died in office at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck. She had been ill with a respiratory illness and had recently battled cancer. Her term as mayor would have ended on July 1, 2016.

After her death, Teaneck Deputy Mayor Elie Katz became the acting mayor. Lizette Parker was buried at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus, New Jersey. About 600 people attended her funeral.

Her Impact and Legacy

Lizette Parker left a lasting mark on her community. A street in Teaneck has been named in her honor. Also, a room at the Teaneck library was named after her.

The local chapter of the NAACP created an award in her name. It is called the "Lizette Parker Trailblazer Award."

The Urban League of Bergen County also created a scholarship fund. This fund helps pay for the education of Parker's daughter.

See also

• List of first African-American mayors