Newark Community Leaders: NJ Activist Is 'Voice For The Voiceless'

NEWARK, NJ — Without community leaders, Newark wouldn’t hum along nearly as smoothly as it does. We’d miss their contributions in big and small ways.

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize these often unsung community leaders and celebrate their contributions.

This submission comes from Jeanette Mitchell, a Newark reader who nominated Kim Gaddy.

How do you know this community leader?

As a Newark resident, I was introduced to the Environmental Justice movement by participating in the Urban Environmental Institute Leadership Academy and Kim Gaddy was my instructor. She is my mentor and has been training up the next generation of environmental advocates in Newark for 15 + years. She is the Founder of the South Ward Environmental Alliance and New Jersey Environmental Justice Director for Clean Water Action

What does this community leader do?

Kim Gaddy is an advocate and voice for the voiceless to ensure they have a seat at the table and meaningful participation in the discussions of what their neighborhoods, schools and businesses should look like to achieve environmental, social and economic justice. In addition, she fights to ensure people of color have access to clean air to breathe, safe and affordable drinking water which is a human birth right to live and thrive.

Why do you believe the community leader should be recognized or honored?

Kim Gaddy is the Queen of the Environmental Justice movement in Newark and is not recognized because people are disconnected from the importance of environmental justice work. She was the first Chair of Newark's Environmental Commission and had to fight hard for former Mayor Cory Booker to establish the Commission. Currently, the Governor, Urban Mayor's, State officials, Councilmembers, County Commissioners and School board members are talking about the environmental injustices because of Kim Gaddy. Lead in the drinking water, high asthma rates, pesticides on playgrounds and so much more is because of her work to inform, empower and create environmental champions at every level of government.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the community hero?

As a mother of asthmatic children, this work is personal and her commitment to environmental justice is unwavering.

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Know a community leader who deserves a shout-out? Nominate them here.