The City of Newark played host to the National League of Cities (NLC) Centennial Roadshow: 100 Years, 100 Cities at Harriet Tubman Square yesterday. This initiative is part of NLC’s yearlong celebration, marking a century of commitment to advancing local government and advocating for the interests of cities, towns, and villages nationwide.
The roadshow, organized by NLC, includes stops at 100 cities in every region of the country, aimed at spotlighting the diversity, resilience, and transformation of America’s local communities. Commencing in February at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas, where the NLC was founded, the roadshow continues coast-to-coast, stopping in cities of all sizes to showcase the unique stories of municipalities like the City of Newark.
“As one of the oldest cities in the nation, the City of Newark is thrilled to be participating in the NLC’s Centennial Roadshow,” said Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “Newark has a rich history of industrialization, retail, and now, tech-startups. These have fueled economic progress for decades. We have a long heritage as a center of the arts, education, and even major league sports. We are a vibrant and diverse city with a bright future ahead of us, and we are excited to share what makes our city special with the NLC.” He also noted that Harriet Tubman Square is a dynamic example of Newark’s transformation.
During the stop in Newark, NLC leadership visited Harriet Tubman Square to see a new, interactive monument honoring the great Underground Railroad conductor, abolitionist, and women’s rights activist. The event also paid homage to the city’s role in the Underground Railroad, along with the Black liberation movement’s rich history in the area.
“It is truly an honor for NLC to visit remarkable municipalities like Newark that have made significant contributions to the advancement of local government over the past 100 years,” said Clarence Anthony, CEO and Executive Director of the National League of Cities. “Each of these cities has played a pivotal role in moving our local communities forward and has a unique story that showcases transformative change. As we celebrate and chart a course for the next 100 years, I am more excited than ever for the future of cities, towns, and villages and look forward to continuing important work together.”
As the journey progresses, the roadshow will continue making stops in cities across the country, including Tampa, Florida, where NLC will host its annual City Summit conference and culminating event this November.
For more information about the roadshow, or to learn more about NLC’s centennial events or initiatives, visit nlc100.org.
