SJR161

A Joint Resolution designating September 16 of each year as Glenn D. Cunningham Day in New Jersey.

Whereas, Born on September 16, 1943, Glenn D. Cunningham was raised in Jersey City, New Jersey; and

Whereas, Cunningham joined the United States Marine Corps after high school and, while serving as a United States Marine, he also served as a uniformed usher at the funeral of President John F. Kennedy; and

Whereas, Following his military service, Cunningham returned to Jersey City to serve as a police officer for 25 years, rising to the rank of captain; and

Whereas, While serving in the Jersey City Police Department, Cunningham began his political career after winning a seat on the Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders; and

Whereas, Cunningham was elected to the Jersey City Council in 1981, and served as council president in 1985 after being re-elected; and

Whereas, In 1987 and 1989, Cunningham ran for State Senate and Mayor of Jersey City, respectively, but lost both races; and

Whereas, Shortly thereafter, Cunningham retired from the police force and left city government to become the director of the Hudson County Public Safety Office, a position he held until being selected by President Bill Clinton to serve as the United States Marshal for New Jersey in 1996; and

Whereas, After returning to elective politics as a candidate for mayor of Jersey City, Cunningham made history on July 1, 2001, when he was inaugurated as the first African American mayor of Jersey City; and

Whereas, As mayor, Cunningham fought to combat drug abuse, crime, and inner-city neglect and led the city as it provided emergency services to many in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, offering shelter and supplies to those impacted in Lower Manhattan; and

Whereas, Since New Jersey permitted dual officeholding at the time, Cunningham successfully ran for State Senate in 2003, taking office as a senator for Legislative District 31 in 2004; and

Whereas, In addition to his public service, Cunningham was a dedicated local historian and author, whose work includes historical articles for The Jersey Journal and a documentary titled “Hidden Footprints” chronicling slavery and the Underground Railroad in Jersey City; and

Whereas, Just a few months after taking office as a State senator, Cunningham unexpectedly passed away on May 25, 2004; and

Whereas, Glenn D. Cunningham was instrumental in uplifting Jersey City through his commitment to public safety, economic development, and community empowerment and his dedication to the preservation and celebration of the city’s history; and

Whereas, It is altogether fitting and proper to designate September 16 of each year as Glenn D. Cunningham Day to honor his legacy as Jersey City’s first African American mayor and recognize his contributions to both Jersey City and New Jersey; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. September 16 of each year is designated as Glenn D. Cunningham Day in New Jersey to honor his legacy as Jersey City’s first African American mayor and recognize his contributions to both Jersey City and this State.

2. The Governor is respectfully requested to issue a proclamation recognizing September 16 of each year as Glenn D. Cunningham Day in New Jersey.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This resolution designates September 16 of each year as Glenn D. Cunningham Day to honor his legacy as Jersey City’s first African American mayor and recognize his contributions to both Jersey City and New Jersey (NJ).

Born on September 16, 1943, Glenn D. Cunningham was raised in Jersey City, NJ. Cunningham joined the United States Marine Corps after high school and, while serving as a United States Marine, he also served as a uniformed usher at the funeral of President John F. Kennedy. Following his military service, Cunningham returned to Jersey City to serve as a police officer for 25 years, rising to the rank of captain.

While serving in the Jersey City Police Department, Cunningham began his political career after winning a seat on the Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Cunningham was elected to the Jersey City Council in 1981, and served as council president in 1985 after being re-elected. In 1987 and 1989, Cunningham ran for State Senate and Mayor of Jersey City, respectively, but lost both races. Shortly thereafter, Cunningham retired from the police force and left city government to become the director of the Hudson County Public Safety Office, a position he held until being selected by President Bill Clinton to serve as the United States Marshal for NJ in 1996.

After returning to elective politics as a candidate for mayor of Jersey City, Cunningham made history on July 1, 2001, when he was inaugurated as the first African American mayor of Jersey City. As mayor, Cunningham fought to combat drug abuse, crime, and inner-city neglect and led the city as it provided emergency services to many in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, offering shelter and supplies to those impacted in Lower Manhattan. Since NJ permitted dual officeholding at the time, Cunningham successfully ran for State Senate in 2003, taking office as a senator for Legislative District 31 in 2004.

In addition to his public service, Cunningham was a dedicated local historian and author, whose work includes historical articles for The Jersey Journal and a documentary titled “Hidden Footprints” chronicling slavery and the Underground Railroad in Jersey City. Just a few months after taking office as a State senator, Cunningham unexpectedly passed on May 25, 2004. Glenn D. Cunningham was instrumental in uplifting Jersey City through his commitment to public safety, economic development, and community empowerment and his dedication to the preservation and celebration of the city’s history.