TRENTON >> Edith Savage-Jennings, an American civil rights icon, passed away Sunday, according to several sources including a relative. She was 93 years old.
“I am deeply saddened by her passing,” former Mayor Doug Palmer told The Trentonian. “She was not only a historically important figure in Trenton because of her civil rights activism, but also nationally.”
Throughout her life, Savage-Jennings received more than 100 awards and honors for her commitment to civil rights and community service. In 2016, she was inducted into the New Jersey Women’s Hall of Fame.
A civil rights pioneer who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and was a lifelong friend to the King family, Savage-Jennings lobbied to make Trenton the first city – and New Jersey among the first states – to declare Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. She also lobbied for legislation to create the New Jersey Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission, where she served as a commissioner.
“We in Trenton were very blessed to have this woman that we can call our own,” Palmer said, adding that Savage-Jennings also supported his political career. “She always inspired me because of her civil rights activism and love of Trenton. She will be truly missed. I hope the city will preserve her memory in the appropriate fashion.”
Savage-Jennings embodied an activist’s spirit even in her 90s, having served as the keynote speaker at an anti-Trump rally in the capital city earlier this year.
“It’s a pleasure for me to be here and join you in the fight for women,” Savage-Jennings said to the crowd of political activists gathered outside the Statehouse this past January at the Women’s March on Trenton. “You have united today, and I implore you to stay united. Don’t let this be your last march.”
The news of her death sent shockwaves through the community Sunday evening.
“It’s an incredible shock to me,” former mayoral candidate Paul Perez said after learning the news. “She was so important to this community and to this country. I’m flabbergasted right now.”
One of Savage-Jennings’ relatives who preferred to remain anonymous for now confirmed that she passed away Sunday at home. The cause of death is unclear at this time. The relative said the family is still gathering the appropriate information and will disseminate it to the media on Monday.
