Title
Dept/ Agency: Offices of Municipal Council/City Clerk
Action: ( ) Ratifying (X) Authorizing ( ) Amending
Type of Service: Ceremonial Street Designation
Honoree: Dr. Mamie L. Bridgeforth
Date(s): May 2, 2026
Official Street Name(s): Telford Street and South Orange Avenue
Ceremonial Intersection Name: Dr. Mamie L. Bridgeforth Way
Sponsor: Council member Dupré L. Kelly
Additional Information:
Ceremony to be held 10:00 A.M., Saturday, May 2, 2026.
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WHEREAS, Ordinance 6PSF-f, adopted on May 20, 2015, authorizes the designation of an intersection, etc., for honorary and ceremonial purposes; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Mamie L. Bridgeforth, has been an iconic figure in Newark’s West Ward for over 50 years, noted for her outstanding achievements and accomplishments as a political leader, educator, religious and spiritual leader and community activist in her beloved West Ward community; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Bridgeforth, a graduate of the Newark School system, has the distinction as the longest serving Chairperson of Essex County College Division of Social Services and being the first woman elected to the Newark Municipal Council, representing the West Ward for eight years; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Bridgeforth, an ordained minister, was called to the ministry over 30 years ago, now serves as Pastor of the Faith Christian Ministries in Newark and has mentored many young ministers, in addition to organizing and providing food, clothing and housing services for the underserved; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Bridgeforth, one of Newark’s most well-known and respected educational figures, has received numerous awards and recognitions, in addition to, serving on several distinguished national boards and organizations; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Mamie L. Bridgeforth, remarkable career as a politician, professor and religious leader is truly worthy of recognition.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEWARK, NEW JERSEY, THAT:
1. The Municipal Council does hereby authorize the honorary and ceremonial renaming of the intersection of Telford Street and South Orange Avenue as “Dr. Mamie L. Bridgeforth Way”.
2. The official name of said streets shall remain as Telford Street and South Orange Avenue in its entirety.
STATEMENT
This Resolution authorizes the naming of the intersection of Telford Street and South Orange Avenue as “Dr. Mamie L. Bridgeforth Way” for honorary and ceremonial purposes.