Context:

Sharpe James, a charismatic and controversial figure, served as the mayor of Newark for 20 years, overseeing significant downtown redevelopment but was later convicted of corruption. His tenure saw the construction of new cultural and sports venues, as well as housing projects, yet the city's poverty rate remained unchanged. Despite allegations of using his office for personal luxury, he was not charged until after his term ended, resulting in a conviction for conspiring to sell city properties below market value. James' political career, marked by a fierce re-election battle against Cory Booker, ended when he chose not to run for a sixth term. His legacy is a mix of urban revitalization and unaddressed systemic issues, leaving a complex and contentious mark on Newark's history.

Dive Deeper:

• Sharpe James was a long-serving mayor of Newark, credited with significant downtown revitalization projects, including the construction of a performing arts center and sports arena. Despite these developments, Newark's poverty rate remained high and many neighborhoods were still marked by vacant lots and deteriorated buildings.

• James' political career began by defeating the incumbent mayor Kenneth A. Gibson in 1986, promising new leadership for Newark. His 2002 re-election campaign against Cory Booker was particularly contentious, with James using personal attacks to undermine Booker's credibility as an authentic representative of Newark.

• Although James was a popular public figure, behind the scenes he was known for his cold political strategies, adept at rewarding allies and punishing rivals. Allegations of corruption surfaced in the 1990s, but he was not charged until 2007, leading to a 2008 conviction for fraud related to the sale of city properties.

• The conviction involved selling city-owned properties at a reduced price to a former companion, which were then resold for significant profit. James served 18 months in prison, and his plans for a political comeback were thwarted by legal restrictions stemming from his conviction.

• Despite his legal troubles, James was celebrated for bringing hope and redevelopment to Newark's predominantly Black and Hispanic population, with some praising his contributions to the city's cultural and economic landscape. Yet, critics argue that his efforts did not sufficiently address the broader socio-economic challenges facing Newark residents.