1947-1997
GiGi Foushee was a Newark police officer, county detective, first woman head of Newark’s ABC department, deputy mayor & first woman warden of Essex County Jail. She said, “I love Newark, it’s my home. I understand this city, it’s me.”
Charles Cummings wrote, “In a few months short of 50 yrs she accomplished more than most men and women do in their lifetimes.” Mayor James said, “She could have been Mayor, she had it all.” Sherriff Armando Fontoura said, “She was a human dynamo.”
GiGi Foushee was born Geraldine George in 1947. She was the sister of Barbara George and grew up in Scudder Homes. She graduated Morton Street, West Kinner Junior High, and then Central High School in 1965. She married Joe Foushee in 1966.
In 1970, GiGi was profiled by the Newark News as a 22-year old with a full time job as a library assistant at Allied Health Careers Center of Essex County College, who enjoyed painting. She said, “These paintings help me express my feelings towards life.”
At ECC, GiGi was past Vice President of the Office Workers Association and involved with the union, while raising her 2-year-old daughter. She also graduated with an associates in 1976. Later, she worked as Assistant Coordinate of the Resource Center at ECC and then as an insurance adjuster. Meanwhile, she went to Rutgers Newark part time, graduating with her bachelor’s in 1981.
In 1981, at age 33, GiGi became a Newark cop, one of few women. In 1983, there were 12 female officers. She said, “I think I am more aware and concerned than some people…I’m just looking after my own community”. By 1985 GiGi was a Detective with the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, working with the warrants squad.
In 1986, GiGi was appointed Executive Secretary of the Newark Alcoholic Beverage Commission, taking a leave of absence from the Sheriff’s Department. Mayor James stated he appointed her due to pressures of the work from bars and taverns. She said “there will be no exceptions or payoffs…I’m not going to jeopardize my name or career for a couple of dollars.” She was the first woman and first law enforcement officer to lead the ABC.
In 1990 and 1994, GiGi ran unsuccessfully for City Council at-large. She said, “I am a product of this city…I am steadfast in my commitment.” She campaigned on more police protection, affordable housing and education. Due to her campaign, she had to take a leave of absence from her ABC job. Just after the 1990 election Mayor James appointed her as a Deputy Mayor. James said, “She has demonstrated time and time again that she is willing to take on difficult challenges and always remains level headed and unflappable.”
In 1991, GiGi was working again as a detective with the Sherriff’s Office, serving on the sheriff’s public speakers bureau. In October 1991, she was appointed warden of the Essex County Jail, the first woman statewide to hold such a position. She held the position until 1994 and returned to the Sheriff’s Department until 1995. She died in early 1997, at just age 49, from lunch cancer.
Civically, Gigi was involved in the National Council for Negro Women, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 12, the Bronze Shields, and the National Black Police Association, as well as PTAs and block associations.
Bibliography
Extensive Star Ledger coverage
Photo from Newark Library
Kukla, Barbara, “Geraldine, Gigi Foushee…” Star Ledger Jan 30, 1997
Newark Library Digital Collections 1 2 3
Zautyk, Karen “Painting Eases Tension of Job” Newark News Jun 7, 1970
Novellino, Tex “Newark Police Swear In 28…” Star Ledger Aug 2, 1981
Jones, Angela, “Women Prove Police Work…” Star Ledger May 22, 1983
Terrell, Stanley “268 million…” Star Ledger Mar 13, 1985
“Student delegate” Star Ledger Mar 18, 1985
“2 named to Newark ABC Posts” Star Ledger Jul 30, 1986
Kukla, Barbara “James outlines…” Star Ledger Sept 15, 1986
Lucas, Caryl, “Sets Double Milestone…” Star Ledger Nov 3, 1986
“School board…” Star Ledger Apr 15, 1991
“Scores of…” Star Ledger Apr 17, 1989
“Newark ABC Official” Star Ledger Mar 10, 1990
Burroughs, Todd “Many vie…” Star Ledger Mar 18, 1990
“Deputy Mayor” Star Ledger May 12, 1990
Phipps, Janice “New Deputy Mayor” Star Ledger May 21, 1990
Stewart, Angela “Black Women in Blue” Star Ledger Aug 4, 1991
Branch, Linda “First woman…” Star Ledger Oct 13, 1991
“13 in running…” Star Ledger Apr 25, 1994
Carter, Barry “Foushee turns in keys” Star Ledger Jul 7, 1994
Walsh, Diane “Geraldine D Foushee, Newark public servant” Star Ledger Jan 2, 1997