Category: African Americans
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Malvina Sears & Elida Lowery
First Black graduates of Newark High in 1877 Many people have heard of the first Black student to enter Newark High School, Clara Mulford. Clara entered in 1872, but did not graduate. Entering in 1873, two other students were the first Black graduates of Newark high school: Melvina (Malvina) Sears & Elida G Lowery. They…
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Helen A Miller
1898-1982 We don’t know too much about Helen A. Miller. She was the sister of Mildred Miller Free and her father James Miller was the “first of his race” to work for the City Water Department. She graduated South Side School in 1917, was on the Honor Roll and was planning to attend the Normal…
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Gladys Hillman-Jones
1938-1998 Gladys Hillman-Jones worked 32 years as a teacher and administrator for the Newark Public Schools, becoming deputy superintendent. In her eulogy, Rev. James Scott said, “if Gladys left no other legacy it was that she told us in so many countless ways that we can make a difference”, and stated that she had a…
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Dr. Linda Caldwell Epps
c. 1951- Dr. Linda Caldwell Epps grew up in Elizabeth and has a long connection to Newark. She graduated from Douglass College in 1973. Dr. Epps served as President and CEO of the NJ Historical Society, in Newark. She’s also served as a consultant to various colleges, funded by the Ford Foundation, and held various…
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Rebecca Newby
1919/1920-2005 Born in Alabama, raised in Newark, Newby attended Robert Treat and West Side High, where she was a member of the Glee Club and voted most likely to succeed vocally. She lived at 115 Wickliff in 1940. Newby designed and made dresses and was known as a fashion model. She studied fashion at Pratt…
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Josephine Belle Janifer
1925-2018 Born in Montclair, Josephine Janifer was appointed executive director of the Newark Preschool Council in 1972, after serving with the Council since the 1960s. In 1979, she became the first Director of the Newark Private Industry Council, an employment and training group for disadvantaged residents. According to a 1976 article, Josephine also worked as…
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Geneva, Helena and Gertrude Turman
The three Turman sisters performed with their brother Buddy in nighclubs around Newark and New York. Gertrude Turman performed in Newark nightclubs as a “shake dancer”. Helena also specialized in dance. Geneva Turman was a popular soloist. They lived on Chester Ave in Newark as children. Helena Turman 1914-1970 Besides family performances, danced in shows…
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Louise A Stewart Spencer
1916-1971 Louise A Spencer was director of the (combined) Newark Parent Teachers Associations. She was vice President of the Newark March of Dimes and served on the Essex County PTA. She was a member of the Baxter Terrace Youth Organization, Baxter Terrace Tenement League and North District Public Commission Council. Louise A Spencer Elementary School,…