Newark lavishes honors on iconic Jersey’s native son

It wasn’t enough for the Newark City Council to agree on renaming a thoroughfare in honor of 67-year-old Angelo Ellerbee last Thursday.

But on a September date at the intersection of Treacy and Madison Avenues, Angelo Ellerbee Way unveiled a new Newark destination.

Ellerbee grew up at 54 Treacy Ave., where his former home still stands and will remain a monument to his beginnings.

Mayor Ras Baraka, members of his city council, the clergy, celebrated individuals, family members, former and current neighbors, media, and a slew of curiosity seekers assembled to witness the historic unveiling of the living legend.

“A lot of people get these honorary” keys to the city, etc. “but usually, they are long gone before we can give them the praise they deserve.

“It is great  to be able to do this while folks are around and sound on the ground.”

His comments received endorsements from a modest crowd who acknowledged the significance of the proceeding.

To add to the occasion’s significance, the mayor presented a proclamation to the honoree.

“Whereas Angelo Ellerbee has since become a leading artist manager and developer …“ the mayor proclaimed.

He punctuated to add: “It’s great to be around where they can get their flowers when they’re awoke…”

The son of poet Amiri Baraka and Amina detracted from reciting the official statement to reflect on his upbringing in the same neighborhood. It was nostalgic and poetic.

In addition, Ellerbee was handed an honorary doctorate of humanities for his lifetime achievement, signed with presidential affirmation from Joseph R. Biden. Residents of the avenues were stunned to hear that a significant citizen grew up in the humble neighborhood. Sandra Denson, who has been living on the two-way street for 30 years, said, “It’s a shame we all were not informed about this; we all would have turned out.“

“People on the street should have been told ahead of today,“ the Tallahassee, Florida transplant said.

Baseema Muhammad, who has lived on the block since 1975, was not invited to the media event but positioned herself under a tree to avoid the sun and mostly to witness the ceremony.

Dr. Ellerbee seemed stunned by the overwhelming show of appreciation. “This is where it all began; I wish Eva Ellerbee was here to see what she poured into me.“

And while this column is limited by space to restate his grateful comments, the fashion-forward celebrant seemed humbled by the tributes bestowed on him. Acclaimed as a celebrity publicist, fashion icon, bestselling author, philanthropist, and friend who recently took the number one spot on Amazon.com bestseller list for his book “Before I Let You Go,” Ellerbee’s reputation extends to paralleling those of a “preacher, teacher, leader and motivator.”

His fourth from a catalog of motivational pennings began with “Ask Angelo: Life Lessons From An Industry Guru,” “The Sense of Success” “Be Seen, Be Heard, Be Exposed“ and other marketing strategies. This latest was marked by a book tour that started in the spring, long before the summer publication date.

Primarily known as a veteran publicist, he has endured half a century of media relations and image-building in the entertainment industry. His endurance outlasts that of many corporate associates and well-heeled flacks who previously boasted longevity in the competitive industry.

Some of the names from his impressive roster of clients include Michael Jackson, Iman, Naomi Campbell, James Mtume, Mary J Blige, Roberta Flack, rapper DMX, Dione Warwick, Shabba Ranks, Kool & The Gang, Ronnie Isley, Melba Moore, Whitney Houston, Doug E. Fresh, Alicia Keyes and a slew of who’s who achievers in the music industry.

When he noticed the celebrated listing in the proclamation reading, Mayor Baraka gasped with exclamation to emphasize the seismic impact of the creative genius. “Jesus!“ he exclaimed to laughter and astonishment before continuing with the reading.

The lengthy document proclaimed Ellerbee’s Influence in theater and his role in the success of the movie “American Gangster.“ The mayor lavished accolades on the native New Jerseyian for executive producing the film “Never Die Alone.”

Throughout the proceedings, co-hosted by Antigua-born June Ambrose, a stylist, costume designer, model, and fashion influencer, East Ward, Newark City Council member, and Reverend Louise Scott-Rountree, numerous speakers addressed the many attributes that contributed to the worthiness of the living legend.

Ambrose cited her emergence from a lowly aspirant in the fashion industry to the now storied celebrity recognized by television viewers and savvy social media fashion surfers she has emerged since meeting the role model.

Rev. Rountree cited philanthropy, creativity, talent, pride, and community devotion to Newark.

Ellerbee began his career in fashion, but it was railroaded when pop musician Mtume commandeered his attention from styling his model wife Kamili to mentor his music career. Ellerbee said he knew nothing about the music industry and did not aspire to the career he is now revered for.

However, he attributes “everything to James Mtume,“ Kamili, the late music achiever’s widow, and members of their family who attended the ceremony.

Following the street marker’s official unveiling, celebrants continued the revelry at the downtown New Jersey Public Library, where a reception and Q&A session concluded the day-long honorarium.

Inside the section dedicated to African American achievers, Newark Public Library Director Christian Zabriskie again hailed Ellerbee’s milestone achievement.

Boasting almost half a century in the music industry, Dr. Ellerbee concluded, “God is real. He is willing… he is able… give him the glory.”

His final announcement stated that proceeds from the book’s sale would benefit a respite for Newark youths.

Catch you on the Inside!