Political Backlash Against Crime in Newark (1979)

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We have two reports the first from Sandra King. At the heart of the protest. Newark resident they're frightened and they're mad. FBI figures show the 33 percent rise in crime run even higher. But behind the organized activity two men north ward councilman and Anthony long time a local hero on the crime issue may be the key to political success and survival. Imperially meeting last night was to have counted Korinos rally today. The former state senator who lost the last three elections and is readying a comeback that he'll run for a state assembly seat this year and crime is Mike Lee to be the pivotal issue here. We're fighting for our lives to survive in the city of Moore we're fighting to unify the decent people against the criminal elements who are aware that they have to rob rape and do whatever they please in this city. But Reno showed up at NPR Yeah leads me that way and even reportedly bowed to a

demand that today's rally not end with a march on City Hall. The rally did snarl for traffic and today no one could complain to cops. But the cry for time police vigilance or else. Because if they don't happen here that's going to happen everywhere everywhere because. How did he and today City Hall apparently took the threats to heart. Dispatched to the scene. Mayor can it get in. Chief of staff representing the man who may have the most at stake here to know is that he hoped to get 5000 residents to join the protest. Instead he killed less than 500 of those who didn't show up say they represent the politicians apparently share that you. Are not the crime problem nor the agitation surrounding it show any signs of going away anywhere.

I'm Sandra King.

Political Backlash Against Crime in Newark (1979)

Newark, New Jersey, provided an archetype of urban decay in this era. According to a 1976 report by the New Jersey Economic Council, the state lost 110,000 manufacturing jobs—almost one-quarter of its manufacturing workforce—between 1953 and 1975. Many of those workers were from the former industrial center of Newark. By 1980, unemployment in the fading industrial center rose above 13% and the poverty rate rose above 30%. As joblessness rose in Newark, so did crime. In 1980, Newark police recorded over 11,000 violent crimes, resulting in a per capita rate that was more than five times the national average estimated by the FBI.

This 1979 New Jersey Nightly News report is evidence of how some politicians used the crime issue to mobilize supporters—often along racial lines. The city’s racial composition had changed as dramatically as its economic base: in 1950, Newark was 83% white and 17% Black; by 1980, just 31% of residents were white and 58% were Black. In this clip, two white politicians in Newark—Anthony Imperiale and Anthony Carrino—both claim to speak for the “decent people” of Newark who are tired of being victimized by a criminal class. Notably, their criticisms are largely aimed at the administration of Kenneth Gibson, Newark’s first Black mayor, arguing that the local government needs to do more to stop crime.

New Jersey Nightly News | New Jersey Network | August 16, 1979 This video clip and associated transcript appear from 9:51 - 12:01 in the full record.

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