Last week the unfortunate passing of a social justice leader amongst our top ranks befell our hearts. Waterspirit has had the privilege of helping to Get Out The Vote (GOTV) as all nonpartisan nonprofits do and we were in meetings with Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver a few times over the past few years. She instilled in us pride in our state as “Jersey Girls” raising our families here. May her memory forever be an inspirational blessing. We are sharing the full, beautiful, statement on Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver’s life from the New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance (NJEJA):
“🕊 We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver. Her departure has left a profound void in the hearts of many. As a true trailblazer, she dedicated her life to public service and left behind a legacy that will forever inspire us.
Born and raised in Newark, Lt. Gov. Oliver's journey was marked by resilience and determination. Her historic election as the first Black woman to hold statewide elected office in New Jersey was a testament to her unwavering commitment to breaking barriers and paving the way for others. Throughout her distinguished career, she fearlessly championed social and environmental justice, recognizing that the well-being of our environment is inextricably linked to the well-being of our communities:
"How we treat our environment is a measure of how we treat one another… we cannot stand by as the pollution created by the quality of life so many of us enjoy harms our most vulnerable communities." - Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver.
Her vision of a more equitable future touched the lives of countless individuals and families across the state. As an advocate for the underserved and marginalized, Lt. Gov. Oliver's impact was profound. She worked tirelessly to uplift vulnerable communities, address systemic inequalities, and promote access to quality education and healthcare. Her passion and dedication made her a role model not only for women and People of Color but for all who seek to make a positive difference in the world.
During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. May they find comfort in the knowledge that Lt. Gov. Oliver's contributions will continue to bear fruit for generations to come. As we mourn her loss, let us also honor her memory by continuing her mission to build a more just and compassionate society, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. May her legacy live on, guiding us in our pursuit of a better and brighter future for New Jersey and beyond.
#RestInPower #SheilaOliver #InMemoriam #NJ #Advocate #SocialJustice #Newark #EnvironmentalJustice”