Justin Fornal, better known as "Baron Ambrosia", said the swim was aimed at combating violence and other negativity in the area
NEWARK - On an overcast Saturday afternoon, Justin Fornal strapped on a wetsuit and began a journey few others might undertake.
The filmmaker, television host and self-professed "Bronx Ambassador" more widely known as Baron Ambrosia dipped into the notoriously polluted Passaic River, and swam about 4 miles through Newark - an endeavor he claims is aimed at promoting positive aspects of a city more often noted for crime, violence and corruption.
"I've always thought of Newark as kind of a sister city. The Passaic is a cool river - it's a fascinating, historic river. Newark is a city that has so many positive things and so much talent," he said.
The 90-mile river's history is indeed filled with decades of pollution from former factories in and around Newark, including the Diamond Alkali Co. plant, which produced Agent Orange and other deadly pesticides during the 1960s.
The chemicals dumped into the river have created a heavy layer of toxic sediment in the river - enough to scare most people away. Canoes and kayaks are not unusual in the water, but fishermen are warned not to eat their catches, and swimmers are rarely, if ever, spotted.
In order to protect himself, Fornal had covered his exposed skin with coconut oil, placed himself on a diet of medicinal roots. During the swim, he chewed cola nuts and occasionally gargled with hydrogen peroxide.
As he paddled, he was surrounded by a trio of canoes carrying his father, a photographer and a number of friends affiliated with the Bronx-based Universal Zulu Nation group.
Among them was Derrick "Doc Strange" Benjamin, a 43-year-old East Orange native. The 43-year-old said he believed the swim might raise awareness about the river and other natural assets in the Newark area that might not otherwise receive much attention.
"Hopefully you know the whole mission or the objective is to raise the awareness on the beautification, or the effort to beautify and further purify the natural beauty in the city, so that kids of color or indigenous kids in the area can benefit from it," he said.
"You have some beautiful stuff here, and if you clean it up, people can benefit a lot more."
Fornal, whose resume includes a Cooking Channel show ("The Culinary Adventure of Baron Ambrosia") and a recent spot on Anthony Bourdain's CNN show, has taken similar swims in the past.
His first endeavor was down the Bronx River, and paddled down the Cooper River through Camden last year. The latter trip earned him a feature in the New York Times, as well as the disapproving eye of county authorities.
Driven by a brisk current, he completed Saturday's swim in about 90 minutes, after which he and his group disembarked at Newark Riverfront Park and headed to the Mendez Jeep Club House on Arlington Avenue for some hard-earned food and beer.
Fornal acknowledged that many people would likely dismiss the swim as a stunt, but he said he believed his effort would "push out the negative energy" in the area, whether it manifested itself in violence or cynicism.
"If I'm willing to swim in the poison for you, you should be willing to help yourself," he said.
Dan Ivers may be reached at divers@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DanIversNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.