Dana Rone
Rone is a product of Newark’s public housing and public school systems, and is now a well-known advocate for both. In May 2006 she made history twice, becoming the first black woman elected to the Newark Municipal Council in the Central Ward, and the first out lesbian elected to any Newark office. Between 2002 and 2006 she was on the board of Newark Public Schools, and is now City Councilperson, commissioner of the Newark Housing Authority, chair of the Education and Health Committees for the Municipal Council of Newark, and a consultant for Excellent Education for Everyone. She recently launched ZOOM—We’re Going Places, a youth organization offering safe transportation to academically enriching and engaging after-school programs. “Education is my passion,” Rone says, “because it’s the bridge to take you from one economic means to another.” –DP
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