First African American Athletic Director & Mayor of Newark

Sharpes’ legacy began as the first African American Athletic Director at the NJ State College (Essex County College, 1968). He later became the President of the Garden State Athletic Conference (GSAC). Under his leadership, he laid the foundations for all of the Essex County College athletics programs, including basketball, track/field, soccer, and tennis. He hired standout athletes like Marshall Brown, our first track/field coach, and Russell Rogers a track/field coach who later gained fame training Olympic athletes, and former NBA player, Cleo Hill Sr. During his tenure, Sharpe James played a pivotal role in the design of our Physical Education Building, now known as Cleo Hill Sr. Physical Education Building.  

Sharpe has been a resident of the city of Newark, where he played sports for South Side (Malcolm X Shabazz) High School. He also was a Head Coach for West Side high school where his team was city, county and state champions. He earned varsity in baseball, soccer, and swimming. After graduation, Sharpe attended Montclair University where he majored in Physical Education and was inducted into their hall of fame.   

During July 1,1968 through June 30, 2007, Sharpe James became a faculty member who maintained his strong support and continue to make positive contributions to our athletic programs.  

Sharpe went on to become Newark City Councilman (1970-1986) and the longest-serving mayor in the history of Newark (1986-2006), New Jersey, and New Jersey State Senator 29th Legislative District (1999-2008). Sharpe James is the only NJ municipal official elected President of the National League of Cities (NLC, 1994 & overnight guest at the White House) presiding over 18,000 elected officials. 

Despite his continuous success, Sharpe never forgot his upbringing in the city of Newark. He maintained his presence as an active participant in the community. He will always be remembered as the “Father of ECC Athletics”.