August 25, 2023, East Orange, NJ: The City of East Orange will be celebrating the life and legacy of Lewis and Marlene Miles on Saturday, August 26, 2023 with Street Re-naming and Dedication Ceremonies starting at 10am.
The event will honor the memory of the longtime East Orange residents with a Street Re-naming at the Corner of Nassau Place and Carnegie Avenue at 10am, followed by a Field Dedication Ceremony at Elmwood Park at 11am.
The late Lewis and Marlene Miles were active pillars of the East Orange community. As a legendary coach, "Lew" Miles established and managed youth sports teams that dominated New Jersey sports for more than 30 years. He is the founder of the trailblazing Promoting Progress for Youth (P.P.Y.) Program and one of the most revered and influential coaches in the city's history.
Marlene Miles was an active community volunteer and a fixture on Carnegie Avenue where she raised her family for more than four decades. During that time, she served as a mother figure to thousands of student-athletes who fell under the tutelage of her husband. Together, the Miles' played a significant role in the growth, development and enrichment of the children and families of East Orange.
Mayor Ted R. Green said the re-namings are fitting for the couple who worked as true partners in uplifting the young people of our community.
“There was once a time in East Orange when youth sports and Lew Miles were synonymous. His dedication and commitment to exposing our young people to competitive sports beyond East Orange’s borders put our city and many of our players on the map,” said Mayor Green. “Individuals like the Miles’ who go above and beyond to make a difference in this world are what make our community so special. The lives of thousands of children and families were transformed due to the influence of Lew and Marlene Miles and we want to ensure that future generations are inspired by their legacy of giving.”
Former Coach and retired EOPD Captain Billy Oliver said, “Lew Miles was a true champion for youth, He put his heart and soul into everything that he did for them. It can be truly said about him that he let the work he did speak for him.”
Sons Tyrone, Terry and Lewis Miles picked up their father’s torch and are continuing to honor his legacy in the community.
One of the best lessons his father taught him was that “the greatest gift one can give is time,” said Tyrone Miles, a longtime coach and employee in the Department of Recreation & Cultural Affairs for 35 years.
“Lewis Miles is one of the founding fathers of organized sports in East Orange," said East Orange native Tracy Munford. “His impact on the lives of my brother, Donald, and my cousins, The Munfords, Wilkes, Melvins and Olivers, was undeniable in creating a framework for East Orange youth to excel in sports in grammar school through college and beyond. He made sports in East Orange a family affair and left an indelible mark on every youth who benefitted from his dedication to the sport and the youth of our city. East Orange is a better place because of his work. We are grateful.”
Who: Mayor Ted R. Green, East Orange City Council and Family of Lew and Marlene Miles
What: Re-Naming Dedication Ceremonies
When: Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 10am and 11am
Where: Corner of Nassau Place and Carnegie Avenue/Elmwood Park Field