1918-1998
Aneatha Dames Todd was vital in many civic organizations, especially within UMDNJ and United Hospitals. Black Mirror News called her “a voice for Newarkers”.
She said, “I just have a desire to be part of things, rather than having things given to me. It may sound old fashioned but I still believe in doing unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Aneatha was active in the UMDNJ debates as a member of the Board of Concerned Citizens (Concerned Citizens for the College). She was on the board for UMDNJ, the hospital auxiliary, and the Community Mental Health Center. Aneatha was a 12 year trustee at University Hospital and was instrumental in reestablishing gift shops at UMDNJ and United Hospitals.
Aneatha was also instrumental in organizing the Gladys Dickinson Health Center, the New Jersey Tuberculosis Council, a two year nursing program at Beth Israel Hospital, and the Council for Higher Education Newark (CHEN). In 1974, she was Chairman of Citizens Advisory Board for Community Development and the National Health Consumers Organization, Region 11. She also co-founded of PATCH, a people’s newspaper.
Aneatha was on the board of directors of the West Side Unit of the Boys and Girls Club, the advisory board for United Community Corporation and the Newark Model Cities. She worked as a program aid for the blind at Catholic Community Services. She was involved with the Roseville Coalition, the NAACP, the Council of Negro Women, St. James AME Church, and the International Black Women Congress.
Born in Florida, Aneatha attended Florida A&M before marrying James Todd and moving to Newark. She later received a Masters in Education from NYU.
Anetha also taught for many years in the Public Schools, mostly at Wickliffe School, before being diagnosed legally blind in 1970.
She received many awards for her work, included a citation by the City Council.
Bibliography
Funeral Program, Barbara J. Kukla Papers, Newark Public Library
Kukla, Barbara J. “Aneatha Todd: A Voice for Newarkers” Star Ledger Jul 2, 1998
“Parties of the Weekend” Star Ledger Feb 6, 1978
“Advisors Pick Chairman for 76” Star Ledger Feb 1, 1976
Newark Library Digital Collections, Other Items
Paterson, Lisa “Blindness fails to stop this woman on the move” Star Ledger Oct 20, 1980
“Health group expands” Star Ledger July 7, 1974
“Trustee chosen” Star Ledger July 27, 1975