Shani Baraka Women’s Resource Center

The Baraka family opened the Shani Baraka Women’s Resource Center in 2017 after the death of its namesake, and sister of mayor Ras J. Baraka. Shani Baraka was considered to be an ideal community member. She was an educator and coached basketball in the community. At the time of her death in 2003, she was pursuing a master’s in administration and supervision. Her and her friend, Rayshon Holmes, were shot and killed by Shani Baraka’s estranged brother-in-law. Shani Baraka was 31 years old at this time. 

Shani Baraka was an educator and activist for her community. She was a teacher in the Newark Public Schools and coached the Malcolm X Shabazz High School Girls Basketball Team to championships. She was also an activist for LGBT and Women’s rights. In this spirit of involvement and support in the community, the center seeks to honor Shani Baraka with the resources it can provide women, children, and members of the LGBT community. 

The center’s services primarily fall under three categories: domestic violence, healthcare, and social services. They aim to aid women in trauma informed ways so that they can properly heal. The center also looks to provide resources and support for those all of all sexual and gender identities. For years now the center has dedicated itself to serving women and queer persons in Newark.

Shani Baraka's sister commented on the center saying, “I was so happy. I was happy and saddened. I was happy that mayor had actually come to his mind that they were going to do it and sad that she wasn’t here to see it. Her mother came. Her mother and I cut the ribbon, Ray’s mom Sandy. My other son, the chief of staff, he organized it, but we were cuttin’ the ribbon together. There is a big mural in there of Shani and Ray next to each other with Maya Angelou over the top of it."

Shani Baraka Women's Resource Cener, City of Newark. Accessed May 12th 2021. https://www.newarknj.gov/departments/shani-baraka-womens-resource-center.