Ras J. Baraka

Ras J. Baraka is the 40th and current Mayor of Newark, serving his third term. A native of the city, he was educated in Newark Public Schools before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from Howard University and a Master's Degree in Education Supervision from St. Peter's University. Prior to becoming mayor in 2014, he was a member of the Newark City Council and served as the principal of Central High School. He is the son of the late poet and playwright Amiri Baraka and renowned poet Amina Baraka.