2nd Ward

Councilman Christopher Awe has dedicated his life to the service of East Orange, advocating for progress and equity in the city he proudly calls home.  

Elected to represent the 2nd Ward in 2018, he has built a strong record of leadership, policy innovation, and community engagement. 

Throughout his tenure, Councilman Awe has held key positions, including City Council Chairman, Chairman of the Finance Committee, Chairman of the Planning and Grants Committee, and active membership in numerous committees spanning Arts, Recreation & Cultural Affairs; Business Development & Zoning; Housing, Licensing & Inspection; Law &Legislation; and Public Works. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping policy and driving initiatives that enhance the quality of life for all East Orange residents. 

A proud product of the East Orange School District, Councilman Awe earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Accounting from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Rooted in the values instilled by his Nigerian immigrant parents, he has coupled his HBCU experience with his deep-seated East Orange pride to give back to the community that shaped him.

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Beyond public service, Councilman Awe is a seasoned educator, mentor, coach, tutor, advisor, advocate, and community organizer. His passion for youth empowerment and education has fueled his work, ensuring that future generations have access to resources and opportunities to thrive.

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His commitment to civic engagement extends into his affiliations with Phi Beta Sigma  Fraternity, Inc., Nigerians in the Diaspora Organization (NIDO) NY/NJ, and the Urban League  of Essex County Young Professionals, among others. He has also been recognized for his work  with the Congressional Black Caucus, NAACP, and the National Black Caucus of Local Elected  Officials (NBC-LEO), where he currently serves as Regional Director for New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. His legislative accomplishments reflect his unwavering commitment to progress. As Chairman of the Planning and Grants Committee, he spearheaded the revitalization of East Orange’s public art initiatives, resulting in several new murals and community art projects. As Chairman, he is an active member of the General Legislative Committee of the New Jersey League of Municipalities. 

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Councilman Awe is a strong advocate for maternal and child health equity, working with the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey and the Greater Newark Healthcare Coalition as one of their Male Ambassadors. In this role, he champions efforts to address disparities in health outcomes for Black and Brown women and families in underserved communities.

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As an entrepreneur, he co-founded Unlock Africa, LLC, an organization dedicated to equipping small- and medium-sized African businesses with the knowledge, skills, and resources to grow into sustainable, socially impactful enterprises.

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As Chairman of the Finance Committee, he worked alongside the Green Administration to improve the city’s financial rating and increase budget surpluses year after year. As City Council Chairman, he led the legislative body through the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring transparent governance and greater public engagement.

Currently, as Chairman of the Housing, Licensing, and Inspection Committee, he prioritizes affordable housing protections and legislative efforts to ensure residents live in clean, safe homes. 

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Councilman Awe remains steadfast in his mission to uplift, empower, and advocate for every resident of East Orange, always working to bring resources, opportunities, and positive change to the community.