Algernon “Algie” Ward, a city champion, historian, trailblazer, and longtime community activist, has passed following a challenging illness. Ward, a proud resident and graduate of Trenton State College, enjoyed a life dedicated in service to community members. Ward served on the Trenton Board of Education and held membership in the Trenton Historical Society. Helping others expanded to his role as a mentor in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Mercer County program. A lifetime passion included his presidency of the Sixth Regiment of the United States Colored Troops and 1st Rhode Island Reenactors, Inc. At Trenton State College, Ward earned a BS in biology which led him to work as a research scientist for the Department of Health and the Environmental Chemical Laboratory Services for over three decades. Ward served as the first African American research scientist in the New Jersey Department of Health. Algernon Ward, a Legacy Award honoree with daughter, Aja Ward-Sirak. (L.A. Parker/The Trentonian) SEED Program Director Stacy Heading, Darren “Freedom” Green, keynote speaker, and Algernon Ward, a Legacy Award honoree. (L.A. Parker/The Trentonian) Algernon Ward helps Ian Harris of Bucks County get ready to learn about some history. Reenactors from the Sixth Regiment United States Colored Soldiers gave demonstrations and history lessons at Trenton’s Juneteenth Celebration in Mill Hill Park. (Trentonian file photo) Algernon Ward talking with people on election day. (Submitted photo) Reenactors from the Sixth Regiment United States Colored Soldiers gave demonstrations and history lessons at Trenton’s Juneteenth Celebration in Mill Hill Park. 1st Sgt. Algernon Ward speaks with a visitor to the event. (John Berry/The Trentonian) Algernon Ward talking with people on election day. (Submitted photo) Algernon Ward representing the World War One era poses with his French rifle at the Old Barracks in Trenton on Saturday Feb 28, 2015. (Trentonian File photo) Algernon Ward talking with people on election day. (Submitted photo) Show Caption1 of 8Algernon Ward, a Legacy Award honoree with daughter, Aja Ward-Sirak. (L.A. Parker/The Trentonian) Expand Ward launched several unsuccessful political campaigns to secure a North Ward councilman seat. In 2022, Councilwoman Jennifer Williams claimed a one-vote runoff victory over Ward. Campaigns by Ward supported themes on affordable housing, higher employment, assisting senior residents, and education. His lifetime passion sought to memorialize the Locust Hill Cemetery on Hart Ave. where Black military Civil War soldiers are buried. Ward received many accolades for service. The Communication Workers of America (CWA) awarded him the John Weinland Community Service Award. Trenton State College presented Ward with an Outstanding Service Award. In January, SEED Male Mentoring Program honored Ward with a Legacy Award during one of his last public appearances. Councilwoman Williams produced an online notice of condolences. “I join many others from across Trenton and New Jersey in expressing my condolences to the family and friends of Algernon Ward on his passing. “While Algernon and I had our differences at times, it was always clear to me that he loved Trenton and the North Ward. From working together years ago to defeat the sale of Trenton Water Works to more recently, making Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard safer for pedestrians and drivers alike, I was proud to work in concert with Algernon on a number of initiatives. “Algernon’s passion for our capital city will be missed and his constant push to recognize our history will always be remembered and serve us as a source of inspiration. His work on behalf of Locust Hill Cemetery and its future Interpretive Center were integral to developing these  historical landmarks for Trentonians. Trenton is better for his efforts. “May he rest in peace.” ...read more read less