July 12, 2007 —For 21 years, Sharpe James ruled the city of Newark, and, in the process, along with his position as a state senator, became one of New Jersey's most powerful political figures.

Today, he appeared in a federal courtroom in handcuffs. He was arraigned on charges of using taxpayer money to finance fine living, including a trip to Florida to test drive a Rolls Royce, and of improperly steering city properties to an associate, who resold them at far higher prices.

But the day wasn't just about Newark's former mayor, it was about marking the 40th anniversary of the civil unrest of 1967. WNYC’s Bob Hennelly speaks with local All Things Considered host Amy Eddings.