STATEMENT: Patrick Gaspard Mourns the Loss of New Jersey Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver

Washington, D.C. — Following the announcement of New Jersey Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver’s death, Patrick Gaspard, president and CEO of the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement: 

Lt. Gov. Oliver will go down in history as the first Black woman to serve as speaker of the New Jersey State Assembly and just the second Black woman in the country to lead a state legislative body. But I know to many in New Jersey, she will be remembered for her unparalleled commitment to her home state and her community. A role model for women and girls, especially women of color, she was a fierce advocate for affordable housing, education, and criminal justice reform. I’ll be keeping Lt. Gov. Oliver’s family, friends, and colleagues in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

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