Silver Spring, MD – International President of the Amalgamated Transit Union, John Costa, released the following statement regarding the death of New Jersey Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver.
“We were saddened and shocked by the loss of the New Jersey Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, a dedicated public servant with a deep passion for advocating for the rights and well-being of everyone she represented.
“A fellow native of Newark, New Jersey, Sheila was a true trailblazer rising to become the first Black woman to serve as speaker of the NJ Assembly and the first Black woman to assume the position of Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey under Governor Phil Murphy. A friend of the ATU, public transit, and working people, I had the honor of working with Shelia throughout my career to fight for better public transit and a better New Jersey.
“Sheila inspired us all, leaving an impact on the state she served and the people whose lives she strived to improve. Her legacy is one of compassion, determination, and a steadfast dedication to the betterment of the Garden State. Rest in peace, Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver. Your impact on our lives and our state will never be forgotten.”