Title
Dept/ Agency: Offices of Municipal Council/City Clerk
Action: ( ) Ratifying (X) Authorizing ( ) Amending
Type of Service: Ceremonial Street Designation
Honoree: Joanne Williams
Date(s): Saturday, August 29, 2020
Official Street Name(s): Bergen Street and Mapes Avenue
Ceremonial Intersection Name: Joanne Williams Way
Sponsor: Council Member, John Sharpe James
Additional Information:
body
WHEREAS, Ordinance 6PDF-e, adopted on May 20, 2015, authorizes the designation of an intersection, etc. for honorary and ceremonial purposes; and
WHEREAS, Joanne Williams, affectionately known as "Red", was born November 16, 1966 in the City of Newark. A proud product of the Newark school system she graduated from Peshine Avenue School before attending and graduating from Weequahic High School. Her loyalty, pride and passion for her alma mater deservedly earned her the name "Mother of Weequahic High School", as she was instrumental in raising funding for new uniforms and providing guidance and support for many of the school's various clubs and teams; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Williams' pride and passion extended well beyond Weequahic High School. Her devotion and pride for all things Newark is well documented through her employment as a no-nonsense Meter Aid and Code Enforcement Officer under the administrations of Mayors Sharpe James and Ras J. Baraka. She had no problem enforcing the rules, regulations and codes designed to make the City function better and improve its image, and in many corners was called the "Mayor"; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Williams' legacy as a true Newark personality will be forever remembered and revered as a role model for those who veered off track, a coach and savior to those in need of guidance, a loyal soldier with unwavering integrity and unquestionable love and commitment to her fami...
Click here for full text