NEWARK, NJ—Ronald Rice, a revered, senior political leader and one of the longest-serving state senators in New Jersey passed away on March 15, 2023. He exemplified honor, resilience, and doggedness: an example for friend and foe.

He is remembered with great sadness across the state, but for Public Square Amplified advisory committee members, John Smith and Linda McDonald Carter it is a deeply personal loss.

Yesterday, upon learning of Senator Rice’s death, Linda McDonald Carter delivered raw and personal sentiments in real time at the Newark Municipal Council hearing. Read her heartfelt community member address below:

“My greeting as usual, how are all the children of the City of Newark doing for us all to contemplate daily? 

Today, my comments are about the City of Newark’s treasure, New Jersey State Senator, Ronald Rice.

First, I want to recognize New Jersey State Senator, Ronald Rice, for his selfless and tireless commitment throughout his civic and political career to the Black and Puerto Rican communities of the City of Newark.

I attended law school with Senator Rice. I will always remember when the final grades for our legislation course were posted: Ron had the highest grade – an A-plus. It was the highest grade that particular law professor had ever given.

Senator Rice and I on rare occasions disagreed; but it was only based on how best to serve our community.

 I was pleased that he had an opportunity to receive some of his earned flowers and recognition for all his work. But, also because he had an opportunity to comment on them before his transition.

 I would trust that New Jersey Senator Rice will serve as a model for how Black and Puerto Rican elected officials and politicians should demonstrate respect, commitment, selflessness, and true love for the Black & Puerto Rican Community that voted and placed them in elected office. I also trust that you will learn from Ron’s civic and political work and continue his legacy.

 What is Senator Rice’s legacy?

 Ron was selected by his community to serve them, not a party boss.

 Ron surrounded himself with individuals who demonstrated a love and commitment for the community he was elected to serve.

 Ron understood that voting is more than having the constitutional right to vote or showing up at the polls and voting: democracy is not a spectator’s sport.

When you voted for Ron, you were voting for the person not a political party or boss.

It is relatively easy to know who funded Ron’s election campaigns; no one has to go to the New Jersey Election Law Commission, Federal Elections Commission or OpenSecrets.org.

Ron studied and was very knowledgeable about the issues related to the needs of his constituency; he was well-informed and able to articulate a strategy seeking results in changing conditions and seeking transformation not reform – which only means seeking to maintain the status quo or an illusion of change.

Ron was consistent. He had a proven track record of social justice – long before it became a thing – and advocacy for what was important to his constituency.

Ron had an essence of authentic spirituality.

Ron was willing to surround himself with competent, intelligent, principled, and committed people that represented what his consistency wanted to see as the good in their community.

Ron possessed a demonstrated record of community, civic and political    courage, second to none, and resiliency for the benefit of his community, not his campaign contributors.

Ron was not only a “Lone Ranger" but was also fearless and understood that he would be ostracized, attacked, and undermined for his positions. Perhaps because he served in Vietnam and was born and bred in South Carolina during the segregation era, he could not afford to be a political punk to have lived through those experiences.

I am sure that if you truly and authentically appreciated and treasured, Ron, you would not only have listened to the requests I have made for the last year which will truly benefit all your constituents and the residents of the City; but, you would have already addressed and implemented them.”

Public Square Amplified pays tribute to this great leader and humble servant of his community, Senator, Ron Rice. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy and he will be remembered, not only for his advocacy and commitment to social justice, but also for his loving-kindness for his constituents and friends alike.