New Book by Brother Gene Bouie Offers a Bold Blueprint to Transform Trenton and Inspire Urban Cities Nationwide
Longtime community leader, former Trenton School Board President, and management consultant Brother Gene Bouie announces the release of his new book, A City Worth Fighting For: Strategies to Lift Trenton and Its People. The book, available later this week, provides a powerful roadmap for strengthening cities like Trenton through quality governance, economic revitalization, community partnership, and moral leadership.
While centered on Trenton’s experience, the book speaks directly to mayors, city councils, and urban leaders across America—as well as the residents and advocates who demand better from their public institutions.
Drawing from 50 years of leadership experience and decades of hands-on service, Bouie offers a clear-eyed assessment of systemic challenges alongside practical, achievable solutions. The book expands on his widely read op-ed series, which has reshaped public dialogue around the future of Trenton and serves as a template for cities facing similar struggles.
“Trenton is not broken — it is simply under-led, under-managed, and under-valued,” Bouie says. “This book is my contribution to help build a city where children thrive, families feel safe, neighborhoods are respected, and public institutions operate with excellence. What we build in Trenton can be a model for cities nationwide.”
A Practical Blueprint for Leaders — and a Call to Action for Communities
A City Worth Fighting For outlines four strategic pillars:
• Fiscal Responsibility & Economic Growth
• Quality Government & Operational Excellence
• Public Safety & Community Wellness
• People-Centered Development
Each pillar is written not only as guidance for mayors and city councils, but as a clear standard residents, stakeholders, and advocates can use to hold their leaders accountable. The framework shows elected officials how to lead with competence and integrity — and empowers communities to demand measurable progress, transparency, and a government worthy of their trust.
Honoring Trenton’s History and Resilience
The book includes a dedication to Black families in Trenton who endured generations of systemic racism, discriminatory housing policy, and government-driven displacement — injustices often softened under the label “urban renewal.” Bouie urges cities to honor that resilience through meaningful, transformative change.
About the Author
Brother Gene Bouie is a seasoned executive, strategist, and community advocate. He has served as Board President of Trenton Public Schools, Senior Director at Educational Testing Service (ETS), Director of Operations at Henry J Austin Health Center, Executive Director of the Training & Development Institute at the African American Chamber of Commerce of NJ, and Founder of Tahsin Consulting Group, LLC. His work spans education, operations, business leadership, nonprofit governance, and community engagement. He is widely regarded as a principled voice on quality management and public-sector leadership.
