Irvine I. Turner

Irvine I. Turner (1914–1974) was an American newspaper publisher and politician who was a native of Newark, New Jersey and served on the city's first Municipal Council. He was also publisher and co-editor of The New Jersey Record, a Black weekly newspaper. He was known for his "flamboyant personality and fiery rhetoric".

Early life Irvine Turner was born in Newark in 1914 and educated in the city, He attended the New York School of Journalism and joined the staff of the New Jersey Guardian. Elections to four-year terms on the Municipal Council were scheduled for May 11, 1954, and the new Council would take office on the following July 1.

Turner ran to represent the Central Ward against Roger Yancy, a lawyer advanced by the professional African American community, and Johnny Savado. Turner defeated Savado by approximately one thousand votes in a run-off election.

Historian Robert Curvin wrote, "With his victory, a common man with intriguing connections and one-time neighborhood hustler was transformed into one of the most important politicians in New Jersey."

Tenure He was re-elected repeatedly.

However, by the later 1960s, many in Newark were looking for radical change. Kenneth A. Gibson, with the support of Amiri Baraka, challenged Addonizio in the mayoral election under the banner of the United Freedom Democratic Party. George C. Richardson ran against Turner on the Gibson ticket but received only 10,000 votes. In 1970, with opposition against Addonizio growing, Dennis Westbrooks challenged Turner and won a runoff. Gibson defeated Addonizio for mayor, but Westbrooks was one of only two Gibson allies to win election to the Council.

Personal life and death Irvine Turner had been hospitalized on numerous occasions since the 1950s and sustained numerous strokes. He died on September 9, 1974, leaving a wife and three children.

Legacy Irvine I. Turner Boulevard, a large street in Newark, is named after him.