By: Yuritza Arroyo
IMAGE: GOOGLE
Unified Vailsburg Services Organization (UVSO) is renaming its administrative building after Former New Jersey State Senator, the Honorable Ronald L. Rice.
According to officials, an undeniably fierce advocate for the community, the Honorable Ronald L. Rice has left an undeniable mark in the Vailsburg neighborhood, in the West Ward of the City of Newark, and the entire State of New Jersey Unified Vailsburg Service Organization (UVSO) celebrates the life and legacy of the former Senator and a long-time resident of the Vailsburg community by renaming its headquarters after him as the longest-serving Black senator in New Jersey State history.
Rice led the way on racial justice issues, sponsoring legislation allowing municipalities to create civilian review boards with subpoena power and calling for a statewide study into racial bias in the criminal justice system.
Senator Rice served as a sergeant in the U.S.
Marines from 1966 to 1970. Later, he served eight (8) years as a police officer in the City of Newark.
His subsequent tenure at the Public Service Electric & Gas company (PSEG) provided another opportunity to serve the community.
His political service began in 1982 as the West Ward Councilman, serving until 1998.
In 2002, he was named the Deputy Mayor of Newark and remained until 2006. Rice was seated as a New Jersey State Senator in 1986, representing the 28 Legislative District, which has, over the years, including the Essex County municipalities of Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Irvington, Nutley, South Orange, and portions of Newark.
His senate office in the City of Newark was on the 4" floor of the UVSO building at 1044 South Orange Avenue for much of his senate career until his retirement last year. Rice played a pivotal role for 30+ years as an advocating partner to UVSO.
He was instrumental in acquiring the administrative (Vector) building and supported converting derelict commercial properties into active service centers, constructing new early childhood education centers, and developing affordable housing.
He frequently attended block association meetings to hear residents' concerns first-hand.
The renaming ceremony of the Ronald L. Rice Building on February 6* (invite-only) will ensure the community never forgets his tireless work as we honor this historical public figure.