Who Is Ras Baraka? Age, Biography and Wiki
Ras Baraka was born on April 9, 1970, making him 55 years old in 2025. He is an influential American politician and educator, known for his role as the Mayor of Newark, New Jersey. Baraka's early life and education played a significant role in shaping his career, as he grew up in a politically active family deeply rooted in the community.
Throughout his political career, Baraka has been a staunch advocate for education reform and community development. His leadership style and community-focused policies have earned him both praise and criticism, but his impact on Newark continues to resonate.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 9, 1970 |
| Age | 55 Years |
| Birth Place | Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | Jersey |
Popularity
Ras Baraka's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Ras Baraka stands tall at approximately 6 feet (183 cm) and maintains a weight of around 180 pounds (82 kg). His physical stature complements his energetic persona and commitment to community service.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Ras Baraka is married to the esteemed educator and community leader, R. J. Baraka. Together, they have three children. The couple has been together for many years and often collaborates on various community and educational initiatives. The focus of their family life emphasizes the importance of education and social responsibility, reflecting their shared values.
The reorganization, spearheaded by state-appointed Superintendent Cami Anderson, would relocate, consolidate or close one quarter of the district's schools that she has determined are underutilized.
The plan has met with stiff resistance from large segments of Newark's population, with critics saying there was no evidence it will increase student performance. The plan would also include teacher lay-offs.
While there is some agreement with many of the policies being implemented in the program, the disregard for community input and the pace of change has drawn criticism. The plan will require some students to leave their neighborhoods and travel across the city, with many parents fearing for their safety.
Net Worth and Salary
Ras Baraka's net worth is estimated to be around $1 million as of 2025. His income primarily derives from his salary as mayor and various educational roles he has held throughout his career. In addition to his public service salary, he has engaged in multiple speaking engagements and consulting opportunities, further contributing to his financial portfolio.
On February 19, 2024, Baraka announced that he would run for governor of New Jersey in the 2025 election. He has called for a "progressive overhaul" in New Jersey, and his campaign agenda includes "reparations, sanctuary state laws, baby bonds, and [a] universal basic income". Following the death of U.S.
Representative Donald Payne Jr., who represented the 10th congressional district, Baraka was mentioned as a potential candidate in the upcoming special election. However, Baraka affirmed that he would not run for the seat and would continue to mount his gubernatorial candidacy.
Career, Business and Investments
Ras Baraka's career has been dominated by public service and education. Before becoming the mayor in 2014, he served as a city councilman and the principal of Central High School in Newark. His tenure has been marked by a focus on improving public education, urban development, and combating crime in Newark.
His investments include educational initiatives and community programs designed to uplift underprivileged neighborhoods. Baraka has also expressed interest in real estate projects aimed at revitalizing parts of Newark, which could increase his financial standing in the future.
Between 2002 and 2006 Baraka was Newark Municipal Council member and in 2002 was appointed deputy mayor, and served that position until 2005. In November 2005, Baraka was voted to complete the term vacated by the deceased Councilmember-at-Large Donald Kofi Tucker.
Social Network
In 2025, Ras Baraka has a robust presence on social media platforms, engaging with followers primarily on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. His posts often include updates about city initiatives, personal reflections on leadership, and encouragement for community involvement. This digital footprint helps him maintain transparency and connectivity with his constituents.
In 2010, Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, donated $100 million of his personal fortune through his foundation StartUp Education to the Newark school system. Release of the funds required matching funds, which were mostly raised through the Foundation for Newark's Future and have largely been spent, though funds remain.
Education
Ras Baraka's educational journey is noteworthy, having earned a Bachelor's degree in History from Rutgers University. He later completed a Master's degree in Education from the same institution. Baraka's education not only shaped his perspective as a leader but also reinforced his commitment to improving educational opportunities for Newark’s youth.
Prior to his election as mayor, he served on the Municipal Council of Newark and as principal of the city's Central High School. Baraka is a candidate for governor of New Jersey in the 2025 election.
