1970 - Kenneth A Gibson elected the first African American mayor of Newark.

On June 16, 1970, Kenneth Gibson was inaugurated as the first African American mayor of Newark, New Jersey—and the first Black mayor of any major Northeastern U.S. city. A civil engineer by training, Gibson’s election came just three years after the 1967 Newark riots, a period of intense racial unrest. His victory symbolized a shift in political power and urban leadership amid rising demands for Black representation in government. Gibson campaigned on a platform of reform, aiming to stabilize the city, improve public services, and rebuild trust between communities and local officials. His election inspired a wave of Black political engagement across the country. Gibson served four terms and helped pave the way for leaders like Harold Washington in Chicago and David Dinkins in New York City. June 16 stands as a milestone in Black political progress and urban renewal during a turbulent era.