Glenn Dale Cunningham was the first African American mayor of Jersey City, New Jersey. He was born in Jersey City on September 16, 1943, reared in Jersey City, and attended Henry Snyder High School. Years later in 2018 he was inducted into the school’s first group of Hall of Fame honorees.
After high school Cunningham joined the Marines, serving during the Vietnam era. He was honored to be chosen to serve as a uniformed usher at the funeral of President John F. Kennedy. After his stint in the Marines, Cunningham returned to Jersey City where he served in the police department for 25 years, rising to the rank of captain.
His first foray into politics was in 1975 when he served on the Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholder (today known as the Hudson County Board of Chosen Commissioners). In 1981 Cunningham won election to the Jersey City Council. He was re-elected to the position in 1985 and served as Jersey City Council President after the election. In 1987 Cunningham ran for a seat in the State Senate, losing the election by only 1,049 votes. In 1989 he ran for Mayor of Jersey City. He came in second in the primary election but did not win the general election.
After retiring from the police force Cunningham served as Director of Hudson Public Services. In 1996 President Bill Clinton selected him to serve as a U.S. Marshal.
In 2001 Cunningham again ran for mayor of Jersey City. He won the general election with 53% of the votes cast. Just a few months after being elected he was faced with the impact of the September 11th terrorist attack in nearby New York City. Jersey City became a first responder to many in the World Trade Center in the aftermath of the attack, offering shelter and supplies to those impacted in Lower Manhattan.
As mayor Cunningham focused on combating drug abuse, crime, and inner-city neglect. He sponsored an anti-crime initiative which included proactive measures to identify and help at-risk youth by providing employment and counseling. First time offenders who were drug abusers were offered help and treatment. Cunningham was instrumental in promoting urban renewal in Jersey City. The dilapidated waterfront area was redeveloped while new family housing was built in the historic Powerhouse District.
In 2003 Cunningham announced his candidacy for the State Senate from New Jersey’s 31st legislative district. At that time New Jersey allowed dual officeholding which meant he could serve as mayor and in the State Senate. He won the general election by garnering 79% of the votes cast and took office as a state senator in January 2004.
A few months later, on May 25, 2004 Glen Dale Cunningham died due to a heart attack. He was 60 years old. Cunningham was married to Sandra Bolden Cunningham. After his death Mrs. Cunningham won his State Senate seat in 2007.
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“Jersey City’s Mayor Glenn D. Cunningham,” Finally Home, https://finallyhomejc.com/guidetojerseycity/blackhistorymonthglenncunningham; “Photos ‘Remembering and Honoring’ Mayor and State Senator Glenn Cunningham,” Daniel Israel, https://www.tapinto.net/towns/jersey-city/sections/government/articles/photos-remembering-and-honoring-mayor-and-state-senator-glenn-cunningham; “Remembering Mayor Glenn Dale Cunningham,” Jersey City TV, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgXECHegAR8; “Trailblazer: Mayor Glenn Cunningham,” New Jersey Globe, https://newjerseyglobe.com/trailblazer/trailblazer-mayor-glenn-cunningham-5/.
