why I'M RUNNING FOR OFFICE

Growing up in the heart of the Central Ward in the Roberto Clemente building at 75-95 Clinton Avenue, I have seen firsthand the challenges and potential of our community. My journey from these streets to studying Globalization Studies at Dartmouth College has equipped me with a unique perspective and a deep commitment to our neighborhood. I am running for councilman to bring fresh energy, sensible policies, and a renewed sense of community to the Central Ward.

My Qualifications:

• Educational Background: I am a proud product of Central Ward’s educational institutions, having attended both St. Benedict’s and L.A. Spencer. My academic journey culminated in me studying Globalization Studies at Dartmouth College for my masters, where I gained insights into global and local issues that I am eager to apply to our community.

• Youth Support Initiatives: During the pandemic, I partnered with the Newark Board of Education to develop mentoring software that provided essential support and mentorship to Newark public school students. This initiative made me realize how fulfilling it is to support our youth and address educational disparities.

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: In 2018, I developed an app that was the first in Apple’s App Store to enable users to earn and spend cryptocurrency. This experience helped me build skills in leveraging technology for the benefit of the community.

• Advocacy and Grantsmanship: I successfully secured a $50k grant from the city of Newark to design software that protects women and teens from street attacks and domestic abuse, demonstrating my commitment to advocating for vulnerable populations and obtaining resources for crucial causes.

• Board Membership: I serve on the board of directors of The Patrick School, formerly known as the famous St. Patrick High School, renowned for its historic basketball program.

Transparency and Accountability: We are committed to creating an open and accountable government where residents have clear access to information about how their city operates. This includes providing transparent data on city projects, budgeting processes, and decision-making through accessible technology platforms. Regular public forums and town halls will ensure that leaders are responsive and held accountable by the community, building trust and fostering collaboration for the good of all Newark residents.

Restructuring Tax Policies: We will work to restructure our tax policies to ensure fairness and transparency. This effort will begin by optimizing Newark’s budget for efficiency, using methods like Zero-Based Budgeting to ensure every dollar is wisely spent. We will also leverage technology to provide residents with clear and accessible information on how their tax dollars are being used, fostering transparency and public trust. By streamlining our budget, we can eventually implement tax reforms that ease the burden on residents while maintaining quality public services and infrastructure.

Inspiring Our Youth: Through mentorship programs, educational initiatives, sports, and support for creative arts, we aim to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders.

Providing Safety in Our Streets: We will advocate for effective community policing, enhanced street lighting, and community-driven safety programs, both digital and in real life, to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Given that Newark has the lowest car ownership rate after NYC, it’s crucial that our streets are walkable and accessible, ensuring safety and convenience for all residents.

City Innovation: We will help foster a culture of innovation within city administration to improve public services and infrastructure. Promote public-private partnerships to bring innovative tech solutions to Newark’s most pressing challenges. Encourage innovation labs and incubators that support startups and entrepreneurs focused on urban development.

Reviving the Art Scene: We will work to revive the Central Ward's art scene by supporting local artists, creating public art spaces, and fostering a vibrant and authentic cultural environment.

Business Unity for Economic Growth: By encouraging the development of local supply chains, we aim to ensure that economic benefits remain within the community, promoting sustainable growth and infrastructure for participating businesses. 

Four Actions We Will Take on Day One When Elected:

Embrace the Digital Age: Newark has been slow to adapt to the digital era, missing out on significant opportunities for better community engagement through technology. We will prioritize transforming our city’s digital infrastructure to enhance communication, accessibility, and participation for all Central Ward residents.

Revitalize Halsey Street and Enhance Nightlife: Halsey Street has the potential to become a vibrant hub for Newark’s nightlife, but it needs better lighting, outdoor seating, and the introduction of BYOB restaurant options to truly thrive. Currently, there are minimal BYOB restaurants in Newark, and we are committed to changing that by creating new legislation to permit BYOB establishments in the Central Ward. This initiative will help foster a dynamic and safe environment on Halsey Street, enhancing its appeal and making it the centerpiece of Newark’s social scene. 

Forge Stronger Partnerships with Local Colleges: Newark is home to three prestigious colleges whose research and innovative ideas could significantly benefit our city. We will advocate for stronger partnerships between the city and these institutions to leverage their expertise and fresh perspectives for community development.

Ensure Comfortable Learning Environments in Schools: Every Newark public school should provide a comfortable learning environment for our students, matching the conditions found in charter schools. We will advocate for the necessary funding and resources to equip all schools with essential amenities that ensure a conducive environment for education.

“Jhamar25”

Jhamar25 is a campaign slogan that signals Jhamar Youngblood’s run for office in 2025. The slogan is straightforward and easy to remember, combining Jhamar’s name with the election year. 

“New Nork”

• Local Pronunciation: “Nork” reflects how native Newarkers often pronounce “Newark,” resonating with local pride and community identity.

• Connecting Natives & Newcomers: New Nork is dedicated to being the bridge that connects new residents with the vibrant community spirit that defines Central Ward. We recognize the value that newcomers bring with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, while also honoring the rich heritage and unique energy that long-time residents have cultivated over generations.

• Vision for Newark: “New Nork” symbolizes a renewed vision for Newark, co-created by the community, aiming to bring peace, sensibility, and transparency to local politics. 

The current need for renewed energy and inspiring leadership in our council has motivated me to run for office. I am driven by a vision of a more vibrant, inclusive, and proactive Central Ward. Together, we can bring new energy, sensible solutions, and a strong sense of community to our beloved city.

Join me in this journey to transform the Central Ward.