Former Senator Rice Honored with Half-Staff Flag Order by Murphy
On August 26, 2021, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy ordered all flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the late Senator Ronald L. Rice Sr. Rice, who passed away on August 25 at the age of 84, was a longtime state senator and civil rights advocate.
Murphy praised Rice for his dedication to public service and his unwavering commitment to social justice. “Senator Rice was a trailblazer who fought tirelessly for the people of New Jersey,” Murphy said in a statement. “He was a champion for civil rights and a true leader in our state. His legacy will live on for generations to come.”
Rice was born in Newark in 1937 and grew up in the city’s Central Ward. He attended Barringer High School and later earned a degree in sociology from Seton Hall University. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army and later worked as a probation officer before entering politics.
Rice was first elected to the New Jersey General Assembly in 1986 and served there until 1994, when he was elected to the state senate. He represented the 28th Legislative District, which includes parts of Newark, Irvington, and Belleville.
During his time in office, Rice was a vocal advocate for civil rights and social justice. He fought for affordable housing, criminal justice reform, and equal access to education and healthcare. He also worked to improve public safety in his district, sponsoring legislation to combat gun violence and reduce crime.
Rice was also a staunch supporter of labor unions and workers’ rights. He sponsored legislation to raise the minimum wage and protect workers from discrimination and harassment.
In addition to his work in the legislature, Rice was active in his community. He served as president of the Newark branch of the NAACP and was a member of numerous other civic organizations.
Rice’s death has been met with an outpouring of tributes from his colleagues and constituents. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka called him “a giant in our community” and praised him for his “unwavering commitment to justice and equality.” State Senate President Steve Sweeney said Rice “was a true champion for the people of New Jersey” and “will be deeply missed.”
Murphy’s order to fly flags at half-staff in Rice’s honor is a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to public service and social justice. As New Jersey mourns his passing, we can take comfort in knowing that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders.
