Category: African Americans
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Betty Harris Neals
1934- Betty Neals is a nationally-recognized poet, who has performed in Newark, New Jersey and nationally, who also had a 37-year teaching career in East Orange. In 1975, she was featured in New York City’s Black History Week and the New York Amsterdam News called her a “Newark born writer” who “is also a beautiful…
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Una Janifer
1891-1963 Una Janifer, the mother-in-law of Josephine Janifer was extremely active in Newark civic life. In Feb 1963, she received the Brotherhood Award from the Newark Human Rights Committee. Una was born Una Staunton in Auburn NY and graduated Syracuse University, where she met her husband Dr. Clarence Janifer, in 1911. She taught briefly including…
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Estelle Morris
1881-1979 Estelle Morris was a civic activist and women’s club leader, active in the NJ Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs, Sojourner Truth branch of the YWCA, Newark Community Chest and many other organizations. Mother of Mildred Morris Williams and Irene Morris. Estelle was Regional President of Northwest Region in the NJ State Federation of Colored…
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Anna W. Hilton Monroe
1878-1973 Anna Monroe was active in Black social and civic organizations in Newark for many years. She was a founding member of the Urban League, president of the Newark Branch of the NAACP, and financial chairman for the Sojourner Truth Branch of the YWCA and the NJ State Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs. Price’s Freedom…
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Gloria Hopkins Buck
1939- Gloria Hopkins Buck is widely involved in culture and philanthropy throughout Newark. She has served as a Trustee at the Newark Museum and is a founding charter member and Chairperson for the Newark Black Film Festival. She was on the the Literacy In the Arts Task Force, appointed by Gov Kean. She has been…
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Queen Elizabeth Bryant James
1924-1998 Known as “Queenie”, Queen James helped get Democrats elected, including Ken Gibson, Earl Harris, and Tom Giblin. Queenie worked for the Gibson administration for 16 years, and served as a Democratic County Committe leader, in the South Ward for 25 years. She was also: Vice Chairwoman of the South Ward Democratic Organization, Vice Chairwoman…
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Bessie Walker Williams
1906-1994 Bessie Walker Williams was a community activist who advocated for voter rights, and was active for senior causes, and urban gardening. Bessie graduated from Rutgers with her Bachelor’s degree in 1985 at age 79. Bessie ran voter registration drives in her neighborhood. She ran voter registration drives in her neighborhood and was also a…
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Georgia Henson Hearn
1892 -1998 Georgia Hearn lived to age 105, making her one of the oldest Newark residents at her death. Friends said she didn’t smoke or drink, didn’t eat much meat, and kept busy, and had a strong religious faith. She said, “I never had any trouble finding work and life’s been pretty good.” Georgia known…