Mayor Ras J. Baraka is a true advocate for the people of Newark. He is a native of the City where his family has resided for more than 70 years and his leadership pedigree was nurtured by some of the country’s most recognizable figures. Mayor Baraka works tirelessly to make Newark one of our nation’s Destination Cities, encouraging a cooperative vision among the public and private sectors and taking advantage of the untapped talent of creative Newarkers at his doorstep.