Sharpe James facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sharpe James
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James speaking to attendees at Rutgers University in 1988
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| Member of the New Jersey Senate from the 29th district |
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| In office June 21, 1999 – January 8, 2008 |
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| Preceded by | Wynona Lipman |
| Succeeded by | Teresa Ruiz |
| 37th Mayor of Newark | |
| In office July 1, 1986 – June 30, 2006 |
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| Preceded by | Kenneth A. Gibson |
| Succeeded by | Cory Booker |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 20, 1936 Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. |
| Died | May 11, 2025 (aged 89) West Orange, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Mary Mattison |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater |
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Sharpe James (February 20, 1936 – May 11, 2025) was an American politician from New Jersey. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He served as the 37th mayor of Newark from 1986 to 2006. He also served as a state senator for the 29th legislative district from 1999 to 2008.
James was the longest-serving mayor in Newark's history. He is featured in the 2005 film Street Fight. This film shows the 2002 Newark mayoral election where James ran against Cory Booker.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Sharpe James was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on February 20, 1936. His parents were Louis and Beulah James. His father passed away before he was born. In 1940, his mother remarried and moved to Newark, where James grew up.
He went to South Side High School, which is now called Malcolm X Shabazz High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in education from Montclair State University. He also received a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in physical education from Springfield College.
James continued his studies at other universities like Washington State University, Columbia University, and Rutgers University. He also served in the U.S. Army in Germany. Before becoming a politician, James worked as a teacher, an athletic director, and a professor at Essex County College.
Political Career Highlights
Serving on the City Council
James first became involved in public office in 1970. He was elected as a South Ward Councilman. He was reelected to the council in 1974 by a large margin. He won a third term in 1978.
In 1982, he became the first ward councilman to be elected to an at-large seat. This meant he represented the entire city, not just one ward. As a councilman, he led New Jersey's Black and Hispanic delegation.
In 1977, he worked to stop Concorde jets from landing at Newark International Airport. He believed they would cause more air and noise pollution. In 1983, when talk show host Phil Donahue made negative comments about Newark, James asked for an apology. Donahue later sent him a letter saying he was sorry.
Becoming Mayor of Newark
On January 30, 1986, James announced he would run for Mayor of Newark. He challenged the current mayor, Kenneth A. Gibson. James won the election on May 13 and became mayor on July 1 of that year.
He was the first Newark mayor to run without anyone opposing him in 1990. He easily won reelection in 1994 and 1998. James became Newark's longest-serving mayor when he was re-elected for a fifth term in 2002.
His 2002 reelection campaign against then-Councilman Cory Booker was shown in the 2005 film Street Fight. In his early years as mayor, James was known for wearing jogging suits in public. He also worked hard to bring new businesses and development to Downtown Newark.
In 1997, the famous New Jersey Performing Arts Center was completed in Newark. James was known for his strong political style. He was also involved in national politics. In 1987 and 1988, he led Jesse Jackson's campaign in New Jersey for the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination.
In December 1992, James was part of the New Jersey State Electoral College. He was one of 15 electors who voted for Clinton and Gore.
In the 1990s, James's housing plan was to tear down Newark's large, empty housing projects. He wanted to replace them with smaller public housing or homes for middle-class families. After the September 11 terrorist attacks, James offered help to nearby Jersey City to support New York City.
In 2006, James supported moving the New Jersey Devils hockey team to Newark. The Prudential Center is the newest arena in the Newark area. On March 16, James filed to run for mayor again, but then announced he would not seek a sixth term.
Serving in the State Senate
In June 1999, while still serving as Mayor, James was appointed to the New Jersey Senate. He filled the term of the late Senator Wynona Lipman. He won the election for that seat in November. He was re-elected for a full term in November 2001. He continued to hold both the mayor and state senator positions at the same time.
His Senate district included part of Newark in Essex County and all of the Township of Hillside in Union County. From 2002 to 2003, James was the Assistant Democratic leader of the senate. From 2004 to 2005, he was the Assistant Senate Majority leader. On April 9, 2007, James announced he would not run for reelection to his State Senate seat.
Later Public Life
In 2013, James wrote a book called Political Prisoner. That same year, he helped his son, John Sharpe James, with his election campaign. His son won a seat on the Municipal Council of Newark. Also in 2013, James supported Cory Booker in the special election for U.S. Senator. This was interesting because Booker had been his opponent in the 2002 Newark mayoral race.
In 2022, James tried to run for office again as an at-large candidate for Newark City Council. However, a court order prevented him from holding public elected office. His application was denied. James tried to challenge this decision in court, but a judge dismissed his case.
Awards and Recognitions
- In 1988, James received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Montclair State University.
- In 1991, he received an Honorary Doctorate from Drew University.
Personal Life
Sharpe James and his wife, Mary (whose maiden name was Mattison), had three sons. He passed away at a care home in West Orange, New Jersey, on May 11, 2025, at the age of 89.
See also
- 2002 Newark mayoral election
- List of mayors of Newark, New Jersey
Images for kids
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James speaking to attendees at Rutgers University in 1988
