Report Back from Assembly Swearing-in Ceremony

Oliver becomes first African Woman as Assembly speaker

Oliver leads assembly members in oath of office.

New Jersey’s 80 assembly representatives were sworn into office January 12 as Sheila Y. Oliver became the 169th Assembly Speaker. Assemblywoman Oliver is only the second African American women in the country to hold such an office, according to URA-AFT legislative chairwomen Helen Pirrello.

Helen Pirrello and Asm. Upendra Chivukula.

“Being invited to attend the swearing in ceremony of the 214th New Jersey General Assembly was in itself an honor but to be there as a spectator and witness this history-making event was simply remarkable,” said Pirrello. “From the presentation by the New Jersey State Police Pipe Band to the Montclair State University Jazz Ensemble entertaining the audience it was indeed an auspicious occasion.”