2025 Newsmakers Shaped South Jersey in Many Ways
BY CLYDE HUGHES | AC JosepH Media
ATLANTIC CITY – The news cycle in 2025 was filled with milestones, history-making events, and people who took courageous steps for something bigger than themselves, including those who resisted what they believed was an erosion of hard-fought rights won in the past.
Those people, along with their associated organizations and events, were based here in South Jersey, with impacts that reverberated throughout the region. Front Runner New Jersey’s 2025 Newsmakers of the Year profoundly shaped not only their own corner of the world, but also the people, places, and institutions around us.
They spoke out when others were afraid to or could not. They challenged norms and proclaimed that we could and should do better. They spoke truth to power and pushed back against seemingly immovable forces.
Whether you agreed with them or their methods, they made a difference in 2025. We would like to thank Inspira Health Network for sponsoring this year’s Newsmakers of the Year recognitions. So, from the vantage point of our journalists and a year’s worth of headlines, captions, and stories, here are Front Runner New Jersey’s 2025 Newsmakers of the Year Sponsored by Inspira.
Newsmaker of the Year
RAS BARAKA, Mayor of Newark
Mayor Ras Baraka finished second in the Democratic primary for governor last June in his bid to become the first African American governor of the Garden State. Baraka, who made national headlines after being arrested while attempting to enter ICE facilities with three members of Congress, was just getting started. He went on to barnstorm the state alongside other leaders to advocate for a “Black Agenda” for New Jersey, taking testimony from residents across every region, including South Jersey. His message was simple: hold elected officials accountable for what they promise on the campaign trail, especially those we vote for.
IT’S NOT TOO LATE: Congratulate your favorite Newsmaker of the Year with a 30-word Celebratory line ad or a 300×300 pixel image ad. Thank them for a job well done in 2025. Contact Clyde Hughes at chughes@acjosephmedia.com TODAY to find out how.
Newsmaker of the Year
U.S. SEN. CORY BOOKER
Few knew how to respond to President Donald Trump’s tidal wave of executive orders and actions early in his administration, buoyed by a U.S. Supreme Court decision issued before he retook office. New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker’s 25-hour Senate speech last March was not a traditional filibuster, but it became the first true rallying point for Democrats. Though largely symbolic, the speech served as a platform that energized groups and organizers to build protest models throughout the year. The marathon protest against the Trump administration’s policies, particularly on health care, Social Security, and justice, broke records for length and drew national attention to constituents’ fears. It demonstrated resistance and delayed routine Senate business without technically obstructing a vote.
The continuous Senate floor speech surpassed Strom Thurmond’s 1957 record address opposing civil rights legislation. It began in the evening and stretched through the night into the following day in late March and early April. During the speech, he read letters from constituents describing fears about health care, potential Social Security cuts, veterans’ issues, and the need for community-based violence intervention. The effort was intended to underscore what he called a “crisis of our national character” and to demand action.
Newsmaker of the Year
REV. CHARLES BOYER, Salvation and Social Justice
Rev. Charles Boyer’s longstanding statewide work through his influential nonprofit, Salvation and Social Justice, which began in Woodbury and is now based in Trenton, had already earned praise in many quarters. Even by his own high standards, however, 2025 stood out as a remarkable year for a preacher who stands in the mold of influential civil rights ministers of the past.
He was the faith leader who stood alongside Ras Baraka during their multi-pronged tour of New Jersey this year to help shape the Black Agenda. Boyer also led the mobilization of Black churches this fall, including Souls to the Polls events, efforts that contributed to more than 90 percent of African American voters supporting the eventual winner in the New Jersey governor’s race.
Perhaps most notably, his nonpartisan, Black faith–rooted approach to public policy has helped Salvation and Social Justice build a broad and diverse following across the state.
His organization advances racial justice and has called for the dismantling of structural inequities across New Jersey. Salvation and Social Justice has become a driving force behind some of the state’s most significant racial justice reforms. His advocacy has helped spur the statewide adoption of racial impact analyses, the closure of youth prisons, the restoration of voting rights for people on probation and parole, the establishment of an independent prosecutor law, restrictions on the use of solitary confinement, and major community reinvestment funded through cannabis tax revenue.
His work in 2025 and in previous years has earned him recognition as a “Game Changer” by the NAACP, a “Torch Bearer” by the ACLU, and a “Movement Maker” by NJ Working Families.
Newsmaker of the Year
BRIDGETON URBAN ENTERPRISE ZONE AND STEPHANIE GONZALEZ
Winning recognition from the state, the Bridgeton UEZ program has become a model for similar initiatives across New Jersey, thanks to its coordinator Stephanie Gonzalez (Class of 2025, 30 Under 40 Top Latino Leaders of South Jersey) and her board, which includes Minerva Alvarado, Michelle Azpiri, Tony Hill, Ashley Logan, and Harlan and Latoya Miller. Gonzalez also praised the support of Mayor Albert Kelly, Business Administrator Kevin Rabago, and Project Manager Heather Moran for their contributions to the program’s success in 2025.
The Bridgeton UEZ is part of New Jersey’s statewide Urban Enterprise Zone program, which encompasses 32 zones across 37 economically distressed cities. Bridgeton’s efforts have increased business participation through new startups and expansions, supported Latino and immigrant entrepreneurs by addressing language barriers, and boosted growth in the restaurant and retail sectors while strengthening connections within the business community. These initiatives have helped create a more vibrant and inclusive downtown.
“One of my favorite quotes by the amazing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has always guided my work and our mission,” Gonzalez told Front Runner New Jersey about her latest honor. “It reads, ‘Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.’ This belief aligns perfectly with the mission of the NJ Urban Enterprise Zone Authority: ‘Building stronger communities through economic growth.’ Through this shared vision, we strive to uplift communities of color, foster economic growth, and create opportunities where everyone can thrive.”
The City of Bridgeton UEZ is a free program for all businesses, and our mission is to help local businesses grow, save money, and strengthen their presence in our community.
Newsmaker of the Year
DR. PATRICIA CAMPOS-MEDINA
New Jersey’s Patricia Campos?Medina, one of the nation’s most respected labor leaders, political strategists, and advocates for working families, played a key role in Mikie Sherrill’s gubernatorial campaign as a senior advisor. She helped the governor-elect secure nearly 70% of the Hispanic vote in November. A longtime champion of workers’ rights, democracy, and Latino political empowerment, Campos?Medina brought decades of organizing experience to the Sherrill campaign. Her endorsement was widely seen as a defining moment in the Democratic primary, with Sherrill praising her “bold leadership — from the labor movement advocating for better wages to expanding democracy here in New Jersey.” As senior advisor, Campos?Medina shaped outreach strategies, particularly targeting working-class communities and Latino voters, with a focus on affordability, economic opportunity, and the protection of fundamental rights.
Campos?Medina’s role went beyond traditional advising.
She served as one of the campaign’s most visible surrogates, traveling across the state to help build a broad, diverse coalition. Her presence on the trail reflected her deep credibility with labor unions, immigrant communities, and progressive grassroots organizations. She publicly framed Sherrill as a leader committed to “working families struggling in a changing economy” and as someone prepared “to protect our rights and freedoms” amid national political uncertainty.
Newsmaker of the Year
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) faced attacks from President Donald Trump since his first day in office, and from conservatives for even longer. While many businesses and institutions bowed to the pressure by eliminating their DEI programs and initiatives, the Chamber remained committed, continuing to host DEIB events throughout the year. Christina Renna, the Chamber’s president and CEO, told members that DEI is at the heart of the organization and that it would not abandon its advisory committee, co-chaired by Damien M. Ghee of TD Bank, Blenda J. Pinto of United Airlines, and Robin Walton of Inspira Health Network.
In October, Renna hosted one of the Chamber’s annual DEIB events at The Legacy Country Club in Cherry Hill. While some traditional sponsors chose not to participate, the event sold more than 150 tickets, surpassing last year’s total. The Chamber’s DEIB advocacy and priorities continue to be prominently featured on the homepage of its website.
“For us, I don’t see it as a choice,” Renna told WHYY National Public Radio’s website. “We are a chamber of commerce. We are a community organization that represents the businesses and nonprofits in South Jersey. Our membership should look like the community in which we serve. We live in a very diverse community in South Jersey.”
Newsmaker of the Year
EL PUEBLO UNIDO OF ATLANTIC CITY
During one of the most challenging periods for immigrant rights in the United States, the young organizers of El Pueblo Unido stood their ground. From organizing rallies in support of immigrants despite the risk of federal law enforcement attention to joining other efforts, such as local “No Kings” demonstrations, El Pueblo Unido, led by Executive Director Cristian Moreno-Rodriguez, refused to yield. One of the most notable rallies took place Feb. 3 in front of the offices of Republican New Jersey Sen. Vince Polistina, where hundreds protested during the “A Day Without Immigrants” event. Immigrant workers from across the region walked off their jobs and joined allies to protest crackdowns on undocumented workers and demand passage of the Immigrant Trust Act.
“Our power is in the people, in the streets, and in our collective voice,” Moreno-Rodriguez said at the time.
He was recognized by the Atlantic City NAACP last April for his courageous civil rights work in South Jersey. The grassroots immigrant-rights organization, made up of young Latinos, is dedicated to defending the dignity, safety, and political power of Latino, immigrant, and working-class families across South Jersey. It has become one of the region’s most visible and vocal advocates for humane immigration policies, worker protections, and community empowerment.
Newsmaker of the Year
FATIMA HEYWARD, Young Democrats of America
With Democrats struggling nationwide to engage young people, the Young Democrats of America turned to South Jersey’s Fatima Heyward as their national president to help revitalize the party. The Marlton native won the post at this year’s YDA convention in Philadelphia, becoming only the second African American woman to serve as president in the organization’s 93-year history.
Those who watched her create the South Jersey Young Democrats Black Caucus and rise to lead the New Jersey Young Democrats saw her ascent coming. Heyward is a trailblazing organizer, advocate, and movement-builder whose leadership has reshaped youth political engagement in New Jersey and across the nation. A rising political figure in the state, she has long been recognized as a force for equity, civic empowerment, and community-centered leadership. As president of the New Jersey Young Democrats, her tenure focused on expanding youth political participation, strengthening caucus structures, and elevating issues of racial justice, educational equity, and inclusive leadership. Professionally, Heyward works in national corporate partnerships at Teach For America.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized by Front Runner New Jersey,” Heyward said. “This recognition is a powerful reminder that when young people and communities of color are empowered, our democracy is strengthened.
“As President of the Young Democrats of America, I am proud to help galvanize a generation committed to speaking out, organizing boldly, and building a future rooted in justice and opportunity. This role only strengthens my resolve to uplift young voices, expand access to civic engagement, and ensure our communities are heard at every level.”
Newsmakers of the Year
GREGORY AND CHARLYN MARTIN, Carneys Point
One of South Jersey’s most unique election stories, the Democratic husband-and-wife team of Gregory and Charlyn Martin upset two Republican incumbents to win a razor-thin election on the Carneys Point Township Committee in Salem County in November. In that, they became the first married couple and the first two people of color to win seats together during the same election. For the first time, Blacks will hold the majority of the five seats on the township committee board.
One of South Jersey’s most unique election stories came in November, when Democratic husband-and-wife team Gregory and Charlyn Martin upset two Republican incumbents to win a razor-thin race for the Carneys Point Township Committee in Salem County. In doing so, they became the first married couple and the first two people of color to win seats together in the same election. For the first time, Black residents will hold the majority of the five seats on the township committee.
Running on a platform of fairness, transparency, and community-centered leadership, their message resonated with voters seeking a new direction for the township. It was not Charlyn Martin’s first foray into politics; she had previously won a seat on the Penns Grove council and had unsuccessfully run for Salem County clerk. Gregory Martin — a truck driver, youth football coach, and community activist — said he initially did not plan to run for office but was encouraged by residents and local leaders who believed his voice was needed in township government. Now, he has made history alongside his wife.
“The people who elected me saw through the negativity and divisive mudslinging of this campaign and chose me to be their voice,” Greg Martin told Front Runner New Jersey. “I intend to serve the faithfully and with integrity. Above all, I am guided by my faith and commitment to serve God.”
Charlyn Martin added, “To serve alongside my husband is both humbling and historic. But this election was never about us. It was about our town. Now, the real work begins. I am committed to listening, leading with integrity and ensuring our town grows in a way that benefits seniors and our future generations.
As for being named Newsmakers of the Year and lifting the profile of tiny Carneys Point, Greg Martin said. “I am both grateful and honored to be a recipient of the Newsmakers of the Year. I don’t just consider this a win just for me. I consider this a win for our community because they voted for change. I consider them all Newsmakers of the year, which was reflected in their vote.”
Charlyn Martin stated that the election was just the beginning of their political journey as a husband-and-wife team.
“Being named Newsmaker of the Year is humbling during such a historic time for our community,” she said. “While the moment made headlines, I remain focused on the work ahead: listening to residents, making responsible decisions, and building a stronger future for our town.”
Newsmaker of the Year
DIEGO MAYA, The Latino Spirit
A visionary media entrepreneur and community advocate, Diego Maya has played a key role in engaging New Jersey’s Spanish-speaking community with local organizations through his translation services, including in Camden. Maya told TAPinto Camden that one of his core missions is getting Latinos “engaged with their children’s education and academic success.” Through The Latino Spirit and his broader United States Latino Affairs Initiatives, he has provided real-time translation, community outreach, and culturally competent communication strategies that have strengthened trust between Camden’s institutions and its rapidly growing Latino population.
Over the years, he has connected with underprivileged Colombian girls and founded the organization Hope for Girls, teaching them vital skills ranging from basic sewing and threading to entrepreneurial principles, upcycling, and garment design. This past June, Hope for Girls produced 200 soccer uniforms and 50 T-shirts for a soccer league in Trenton, creating a transcontinental connection between the girls and New Jersey. Maya returned to Colombia this fall to continue his mentorship and support of the girls.
His platform, The Latino Spirit, publishes the annual Top Latinos of New Jersey list, which highlights Latino leaders across the state and has become a signature statewide recognition program.
Newsmaker of the Year
MARTY SMALL, SR., Mayor of Atlantic City
Few could argue that Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small made bigger headlines in 2025. Defiant in the face of child abuse charges that could have sent him to prison and ended his political career, Small convinced an Atlantic County jury this month that he was not guilty of all charges related to the alleged abuse of his teenage daughter.
Despite the charges that hung over him and his wife, La’Quetta Small, for more than a year, Small ignored calls to resign and handily won two elections to secure his second full term in office — a competitive Democratic primary and the November general election.
Small’s not-guilty verdicts on all charges were a resounding court victory for a mayor who had become a lightning rod for county conservatives. The Atlantic City native, however, proved to be in firm control of city politics and said he is determined to keep his family together.
While prosecutors have not made public their plans to pursue charges against La’Quetta Small and Constance “Mandy” Days-Chapman, the former principal of Atlantic City High School and Mayor Small’s campaign manager, Marty Small has successfully defended against two other court cases before this one.
Newsmakers of the Year
DR. THELMA WITHERSPOON AND TRACY THOMPSON, Hamilton Township
For the first time, two Black women will serve on the five-member Hamilton Township Committee in Atlantic County after Dr. Thelma Witherspoon won re-election and Tracy Thompson captured the unexpired term of former committee member Robert Laws. Their historic victory is significant because the women will play a vital role in guiding one of New Jersey’s largest municipalities. The election also highlighted a demographic shift in the township, which has seen a growing population of Black and Latino residents over the past decade. Witherspoon made history three years ago as the first Black woman elected to the board and recruited Thompson to run for the open seat. Yvette Soto, Witherspoon’s running mate for the two full-term seats, fell just a few votes short of winning a seat on the committee.
Their grassroots efforts didn’t rely on a blitz of television ads but on meeting voters wherever they were in the sprawling township — from festivals and celebrations to knocking on doors. Their message of expanding services to strengthen the community resonated with residents and helped them defeat one incumbent and another Republican challenger in this former GOP stronghold.
“I am humbled and ecstatic to be featured as an 2025 honoree in Frontrunner New Jersey,” Witherspoon said. “I am honored.”
Thompson added, “When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better. So, to be in a position to serve and inspire the lives of those in my community is the greatest honor.”
Newsmakers of the Year – In Memoriam
EDITOR’S NOTE: Al Thomas and Wilfredo “Wil” Rojas were two of the first people I met when I started FrontRunnerNewJersey.com. They each ran media outlets serving communities of color. Instead of seeing me as a competitor, they viewed me as a collaborator and took me under their wings. Both passed away while continuing their work to bring news and vital information to people of color in South Jersey. Today, we remember them for the dedicated journalists they were and the legacy they left behind.
AL THOMAS
South Jersey Communications – South Jersey Journal and Bridgeton Journal
A former standout collegiate athlete, Al Thomas spent most of his media career working in the Black press, including decades as an account executive for the Philadelphia Tribune and creating his own publications in parts of Philadelphia and South Jersey. He was a proud member of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, which serves Black news publications, and was active in the communities he covered.
Thomas played a central role in ensuring that Black communities in South Jersey had access to trusted, culturally grounded news and information. His extensive experience in media sales, community outreach, and relationship-building made him a powerful connector — able to engage business leaders, elected officials, and everyday residents with equal ease.
Thomas was known for his relentless work ethic and his commitment to keeping Black?owned media alive, even if it meant hand?delivering newspapers himself when necessary. Colleagues described him as passionate, determined, and unwavering in his belief that Black communities deserved strong, independent journalism that reflected their stories and struggles.
At the time of his passing in March 2025, Thomas was part of a statewide group of Black New Jersey news publishers working to engage gubernatorial candidates on issues affecting Black residents, including economic equity, education, and public safety. His leadership helped ensure that Black voices remained central in statewide political conversations.
WILFREDO “WIL” ROJAS
Social Justice Columnist and Civil Rights Leader
Longtime justice and civil rights activist and columnist Wilfredo “Wil” Rojas died April 5 at his home at age 73. The former first vice president and communications chair of the Gloucester County NAACP, Rojas was a strong voice for justice and civil rights through his work in Philadelphia and South Jersey. His family and the National Homicide Justice Alliance, an organization he co-founded after the shooting death of his son, announced his passing this week.
Rojas dedicated his life to positively impacting his community and worked tirelessly to serve others. His legacy of more than 55 years of leadership and lifelong efforts for civil rights in various fields inspired not only his generation but a new generation of activists.
He won numerous awards for his groundbreaking work, including the 2017 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Champion for Justice Jefferson Award. The award, given in partnership with the New Jersey MLK Jr. Commemorative Commission, recognizes those who continue Dr. King’s legacy by promoting civil rights, justice, peace, and nonviolence in communities and across the state.
Special Recognitions
Elected Officials of the Year: Kaleem Shabazz, City Council Vice President, Atlantic City; Frank Minor, Mayor, Logan Township
Kaleen Shabazz, president of the Atlantic City NAACP, was active this year beyond his duties on the city council, speaking out on issues affecting Black residents and other communities of color in the region. Frank Minor, chair of the South Jersey Black Political Caucus, played a major role in ensuring Black voices in South Jersey were heard during a series of meetings on the Black Agenda across the state.
Volunteer Organizations of the Year: Gloucester County NAACP and Hispanic Association of Atlantic County
The Gloucester County NAACP, with programs such as the Heels in the Battlefield Women’s Empowerment Conference and its Game Changers Gala, continues to spotlight community leaders and uplift the community. The Hispanic Association of Atlantic County, through its Youth Summit, annual community awards program, and Three Kings celebrations, contributes to making Atlantic County a better place to live.
Community Nonprofit Organizations of the Year: All Things Are Possible Foundation in Willingboro and Puerto Rican Action Committee of Southern New Jersey
Led by Dr. Tiffani Worthy, All Things Are Possible has lived up to its name, hosting numerous events to support children, including academic enrichment programs with a differentiated approach that emphasizes academics, athletics, awareness, and the arts. The organization serves more than 500 children annually through out-of-school programs. Its annual Kwanzaa community awards event honors local leaders. Meanwhile, the Puerto Rican Action Committee of Southern New Jersey (PRAC) helped lead the fight for state funding to keep women’s resource centers open in New Jersey this summer and continues to provide vital economic and other resources to the Hispanic community and beyond in Southern New Jersey.
Legislative Campaign of the Year: New Jersey Civic Information Consortium
At the beginning of the State of New Jersey Budget Campaign this year, Gov. Phil Murphy had zeroed-out the budget for the New Jersey Civic Information Consortium, which had become a critical funding source for many independent and community media outlets, especially those owned by people of color. The lack of funding would have been a devastating blow to telling the stories of minorities in New Jersey. Led by NJCIC Chair Chris Daggett and Program Director Ayinde Merrill, the organization led an all-out campaign to get the funding restored. With the help of Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald, most of the funding was restored in the final approved budget, allowing outlets like Front Runner New Jersey and others to continue their work in informing minority communities.
In 2026, Front Runner New Jersey will honor Social Justice Advocate of the Year, Nonprofit Leader of the Year, Young Leader of the Year, and Minority Small Business of the Year.
SPECIAL MENTIONS
These individuals and organizations deserve exceptional praise for their community work with diversity groups in 2025.
*Tim Alexander, civil rights attorney, Congressional candidate
*Atlantic City Branch NAACP
*City of Atlantic City Multicultural Services
*Edgar Aquino Huerta, Cumberland County immigrant rights advocate
*Nydiadelicx Barrios, National NAACP ACT-SO Gold Medal winner, Willingboro
*Bill Belton, Winslow High School football coach
*J.T. Burks, Positive Vibes, Millville
*Cape May County branch NAACP
*CompleteCare Health Network, Bridgeton
*James Cooper, Outta Boundz, Vineland
*Rev. Collins Days, Atlantic County Commissioner
*Richard Todd Edwards, Bridgeton business owner, local political operative
*Pamela Fields & Bruce Weekes, City of Atlantic City Economic Development
*Alesha Falcon-Jones, Parents United, Camden
*John Fuqua, Life Worth Living
*Yolanda Garcia Balicki, Cumberland County Commissioner-elect
*Gabily Gonzalez, Camden immigrant rights advocate
*Rob Hinson, Camden High School football coach
*Hispanic Leadership Association of New Jersey
*HopeLoft, Bridgeton
*Indivisible Atlantic City/Empathy United
*Loving Our Cities/The Perfecting Church, Sewell
*Mayor Albert Kelly, Bridgeton
*Mayor Quinton Law, Moorestown
*Mayor LaDaena Londo, Penns Groves
*Manna From Heaven, Bridgeton
*U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver
*Melissa Morales, Camden County author, nonprofit leader
*Lydia Munoz, Spanish Community Center
*NAACP Camden County East Youth Council
*Mayor Jamila Odoms, Chesilhurst
*Emilio Roman, Camden County author
*Yvette Soto, Atlantic County Puerto Rican Parade and Latin Music Festival
*Fourth Fridays Family Fun Nights
*U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman
*Jimmy Whitehead, U.S. HART CARES, Atlantic City
*Chris Wilson, Sound Mind Sound Body, Vineland
For more information about Newsmakers of the Year or any of Front Runner New Jersey’s specialty columns contact editor Clyde Hughes at chughes@acjosephmedia.com. See our Black History Month Highlight Stories and Fifth Anniversary 30 Under 40 Top Black Leaders of South Jersey in February.
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