Newark Mayor Ras Baraka’s potential candidacy for governor of New Jersey is being scrutinized due to his connections to the controversial Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan. Farrakhan, who has been accused of making antisemitic, anti-white, and anti-gay remarks, has been labeled an extremist by various organizations. Despite these accusations, Baraka has praised Farrakhan as a role model and strong moral leader during an event in Newark in 2004 when he was serving as the city’s deputy mayor.
During the event in 2004, Baraka expressed admiration for Farrakhan’s moral authority and spiritual strength, claiming that no one else could stand where Farrakhan stood and assert leadership over black people in the way that he did. Farrakhan, however, used the platform to make disparaging remarks about white people, the government, and the LGBTQ community, using offensive language and promoting conspiracy theories. These comments have raised concerns among New Jersey Jewish leaders who see any association with Farrakhan as troubling and threatening to American society.
Baraka’s gubernatorial campaign has thus far not provided any comment on the scrutiny over his connection to Farrakhan. Other Democratic candidates competing for the nomination for governor in New Jersey include Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, US Reps. Josh Gottheimer and Mikie Sherrill, New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller, and former state Senate President Steve Sweeney. Republican candidates in the running include Jack Ciattarelli, former radio host Bill Spadea, and former Englewood Cliffs Mayor Mario Kranjac.
The controversy surrounding Baraka’s ties to Farrakhan is not the first time the Baraka family has faced criticism for their affiliations. Baraka is the son of Amiri Baraka, who served as New Jersey’s poet laureate in 2002. Amiri Baraka drew criticism for writing a poem titled “Somebody Blew Up America,” which implied that Israel had prior knowledge of the 9/11 attacks. The poem led to calls for Amiri Baraka to be removed from his position, and ultimately, the New Jersey legislature voted to eliminate the position of poet laureate in 2003 to effectively remove him.
The scrutiny of Baraka’s connections to Farrakhan and his family’s controversial history has prompted concerns among various communities in New Jersey. While some see his association with individuals like Farrakhan as concerning and divisive, others may view it as a reflection of his values and beliefs. The upcoming gubernatorial race in New Jersey promises to be a contentious one, with a diverse range of candidates vying for the position and voters carefully considering each candidate’s background and alliances. Ultimately, the decision will be in the hands of the voters, who will have to weigh the candidates’ merits and shortcomings before casting their ballots.
