It’s A New Day: Ras Baraka Wins Newark Mayoral Race

City Councilman Ras Baraka, 44, son of the legendary poet-writer-activist Amiri Baraka, won today’s mayoral election in Newark, New Jersey, defeating former state assistant Attorney General Shavar Jeffries.

With 87% of districts reporting, Baraka had a 53.14% to 46.66% lead over Jeffries with his South Ward precincts the only ones left to be reported.

We are the Mayor!!! http://t.co/O5bLBwV2ku http://t.co/WmWNCvTblK

— rasjbaraka (@rasjbaraka) May 14, 2014

Baraka, who served as principal of Central High School, in addition to his duties as councilman, made education an integral part of his platform.

“One thing I’m sure of is no one can do this by themselves,” Baraka told supporters in February. “A fundamental piece of our plan is the inclusion of all institutions in the community, all the stakeholders in the community. Everyone who has a stake has to be involved.”

Baraka replaces recently elected U.S. Senator Cory Booker.

Ras Baraka Delivers Eulogy At His Father’s Funeral Below:

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