1944-
Mamie Bridgeforth was a City Council member from 1998-2006. She is a community leader, professor, Chairperson of the Division of Social Sciences at Essex County College, and an ordained minister. She is currently Pastor of the Faith Christian Center Ministries in Newark, New Jersey.
Bridgeforth has worked for Essex County as a faculty member for over 45 years and has several advanced certifications.
She founded several community programs including a faith-base homeless day camp, yearly trips to Disney World for urban youth, and the West Ward Children’s New Winter Coat Drive.
Dr. Bridgeforth has received many awards and recognitions. Among them has been the Inner City Education Award and the Sharing Network Appreciation Award.
From her biography, “She was a Founding Board Member of Offenders Aid and Restoration and the Founder of Daughters of Deborah, a reentry, educational program for women. She is also the founder of the N.J Pastors Wives Achievement Awards. Dr. Bridgeforth was also appointed by Mayor Ras J. Baraka as his representative to PWI, the West Ward Special improvement District Board.“
Bridgeforth grew up along the border of East Orange and Newark, and attended East Orange High.
Bibliography
Mamie Bridgeforth, Robert Curvin Interview, Newark Public Library