essex county commissioners honor rufus i. johnson for his tenure on board

Essex County Commissioner At-Large – Rufus I. Johnson

Commissioner Johnson is currently the longest serving male African American Commissioner in New Jersey 

(Newark, NJ) – On January 27, 2021, the Essex County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution honoring and commending fellow Commissioner Rufus I. Johnson for 12 years of service as an Essex County Commissioner. Commissioner Johnson was first elected as a (then) Freeholder-At-Large in 2008 and re-elected in 2011, 2014, 2017 and 2020 making him, currently, the longest serving African American Male Freeholder in New Jersey.

As of January 1, 2021, the term “Freeholder” was replaced with “Commissioner” by state statute. The title of “Freeholder” harkens to a time when only men who owned land “free” of debt were qualified to serve in the role. This excluded every demographic of American – with the exception of white men – from serving as representatives of county government. To show reverence for his service, and acknowledge the significance of the name change to the African American community, Commissioner Johnson was invited on stage, among others, adjacent to Governor Murphy as he signed the bill into law.

A Newark native, Commissioner Johnson was educated in Newark Public Schools, and went on to attend both Essex County College and Wilberforce University in Ohio. Prior to serving on the Board, he served as Chief of Staff for State Senator Ronald L. Rice from 1998 to 2014, and also served as an Aide to Newark Councilman Joe McCallum. Commissioner Johnson has a long history of activism and service – especially through coaching and mentorship of young people in the community. He was a co-founder and coach of both the Newark Optimist Club Little League and Newark Pop Warner Football League, he coached the Our Lady of Good Counsel High School Basketball Team, and founded the Vision of Hope Basketball Camp for youth in Essex County.

District 3 Commissioner Tyshammie L. Cooper introduced the resolution and thanked Commissioner Johnson for his service through the years. “This resolution highlights Commissioner Johnson’s commitment and dedication to the county of Essex for an extended period of time. Whether he is advocating for equal treatment and opportunities for all, or spending time with the people we have been called to serve, Commissioner Johnson consistently advocates for the best interests of our communities. I commend and congratulate him for his service, and I am honored to call him a colleague and a friend.”

During his time on the Board, Commissioner Johnson has served as Chair of the Health Care/Health Benefits Committee; Public Safety/Penal Committee; Committee to Investigate the ECUA; Recreation Oversight Committee; Committee to Review Funding for Public Land; and the Committee to Review Purchasing Procedures. He is also a member of the following committees: Land Use, the Sub-Committee for ICE, NJAC Alternate Representative, Economic Development Committee, the Hospital Center Oversight Committee, the Committee to Review Funding for Nonprofits, Transportation Oversight Committee, and the Housing and Community Development Oversight Committee.

Although Commissioner Johnson is involved in a number of government agencies, his true passion is helping the people of his community. He is the former President of the Newark West Ward Young Democrats, has served on the Board of Habitat for Humanity, and each year for the past 11 years he has played a huge role in hosting the annual House Music Concert Festival in Weequahic Park.

“There are so many ways that each of us can help the community.” Commissioner Johnson stated, “Giving people a reason to smile, and a reason to have hope for the future has always been important to me. This past year with COVID, so many people were affected negatively.” He continued, “Our House Music Festival in Weequahic Park is always a great time, but a gathering of that size just wasn’t safe. Through the hard work of so many people, we were able to virtually broadcast a 10-hour event seen by over 14,000 people in China, UK, Hong Kong, South America, Africa and the United States. If I can help bring a small amount of joy to people, especially during these times, it gives me a true sense of happiness and peace.”