Learn

 

What Moves Me

Everyone in America luxuriates in lavish opportunities that we did not earn. We drink deeply from wells we did not dig. We owe so much to those who came before us, those who sacrificed for us and whose collective efforts yielded us the Nation we love. The only way I know to show one’s patriotism is to dedicate a large measure of one’s life toward continuing America’s challenging march towards the full establishment of our ideals so that every American can benefit from the richness and abundance of America.

I entered public service because I believe in the City of Newark, because I feel a profound sense of connection to this community and in large part because I feel a profound sense of connection to the large unfolding story of America — a story that is playing out in brilliant fashion in this sacred city. Below are a few of my writings and speeches that we assembled here in hopes that you understand some of what motivates me and some of what I believe is necessary if we are to truly exalt our past by securing our future.
 

My Writings

America To Me — To love and honor my country, I must confront one of its deepest flaws.

Every Person Counts — As a young politician, I discovered a single spark can incite a community to action, and a community empowered can slay giants.

The New City (originally published in Esquire) —  When I first entered the Mayor's Office, the discoveries I made were as shocking as the people I met were motivating.

The Reformer (originally published in Esquire) — Despite my years of education, it was a 74-year-old woman from a housing project who proved my greatest mentor.

 

My Speeches

Toni Morrison Lectures — The Unfinished Journey of America's Spirit

It was my honor to deliver the Toni Morrison Lectures, October 1-3, 2008 at Princeton University. In this series, I chronicled my journey as both a politician and a citizen. But more importantly, I described the often-parallel journey of our country, fraught with both pain and promise, leading  — through our collective effort — to a spectacular future.

 

Part 1 — The Past: A Testimony to the Impossible

 

Part 2 — The Present: Through Cynicism, Negativity and Self-Doubt

 

Part 3 — The Future: Humble Hopes and Insane Idealism

 

 

About Cory

The Honorable Cory A. Booker, 39, is the Mayor of Newark, New Jersey. He took the oath of office as Mayor of New Jersey’s largest city on July 1, 2006 following a sweeping electoral victory.

Elected with a clear mandate for change, Mayor Booker has begun work on realizing a bold vision for the City. Newark’s mission is to set a national standard for urban transformation by marshalling its resources to achieve security, economic abundance and an environment that is nurturing and empowering for individuals and families.

Mid-way through his first term as Mayor, Mayor Booker and his Administration have made meaningful strides towards achieving the City’s mission.  As of July 1, 2008, Newark, New Jersey led the nation among large cities for reductions in shootings and murders, achieving decreases of more than 40% reductions in both categories. Radical transformation of the Newark Police Department under Mayor Booker’s leadership, together with the deployment of over 100 surveillance cameras throughout City, has led to Newark setting the nationwide pace for crime reduction.

Among other recent notable achievements in the past two years, under Mayor Booker’s leadership, the City of Newark has committed to a $40 million transformation of the City’s parks and playgrounds through a ground-breaking public/private partnership.  The Booker Administration has also doubled affordable housing production within the last two years. 

Mayor Booker has also been instrumental in setting up model programs for returning ex-offenders and innovative programs dealing with at risk youth and empowering fathers to thrive in meeting their obligations.

Mayor Booker’s political career began in 1998, after serving as Staff Attorney for the Urban Justice Center in Newark. He rose to prominence as Newark’s Central Ward Councilman. During his four years of service from 1998-2002, then-Councilman Booker earned a reputation as a leader with innovative ideas and bold actions, from increasing security in public housing to building new playgrounds. This work was the foundation for his leadership as Mayor.  For this work, he has been recognized in numerous publications, including, among others, Time, Esquire, New Jersey Monthly (naming him as one of New Jersey’s top 40 under 40), Black Enterprise (naming him to the Hot List, America’s Most Powerful Players under 40) and The New York Times Magazine.

Reflecting his commitment to education, Mayor Booker is a member of numerous boards and advisory committees including Democrats for Education Reform, Columbia University Teachers’ College Board of Trustees and the Black Alliance for Educational Options. Mayor Booker received his B. A. and M. A. from Stanford University, a B. A. in Modern History at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, and completed his law degree at Yale University.