New Jersey’s first Black woman to lead the state Assembly has died.
NBC News reported the family did not reveal specific information about why the Black political leader had been in the hospital. When the news broke, New Jersey’s Gov. Phil Murphy was on vacation in Italy. The news outlet reported that Oliver, who was serving as acting governor while Murphy was on vacation, will be sorely missed by her political incumbents. Murphy said on Twitter that Oliver’s death saddened him and his family. “Tammy and I, and our children, are incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend, colleague, and partner in government, @LtGovOliver,” the tweet read. Murphy also said that the five and a half years he served with Oliver was “the best decision I ever made.”
Tammy and I, and our children, are incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend, colleague, and partner in government, @LtGovOliver. We ask that you all keep the Oliver family and all those who loved her in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/ty6drz7DgY
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said Oliver’s passing was a loss for the state. NBC News reported Christie’s statement, “The passing of Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver is a loss for our state.” “I will miss Sheila. She served as Speaker in my first term, and we treated each other with kindness and respect. We got things done. She was a great person and partner,” the former governor tweeted.
The deceased political leader was different. The Associated Press reported Oliver showed up for Murphy’s bill signings—something that the political incumbents before her did not do. According to the outlet, Oliver was also praised for her public speaking skills.
Source: Black Enterprise
