Curvin Family

Oct 5, 2022

in 1910-1929 (Born), 1930-1959 (Born), African Americans, Born or raised in Newark (high school or before), Education, Museums and Libraries, Entertainers, Theater and Music, Social Work, Civic and Philanthropy

The Curvin Family, the family of historian and activist Robert Curvin had several interesting and important women. The family had six daughters. They were born in Newark, but they grew up in Belleville at 68 Belmont Ave. The family lived on Cottage Place and other addresses in Newark through at least 1930.

Jewel Curvin (featured image)

1936-1993

Belleville Yearbook, 1953

Jewel Curvin was an associate producer for NBC from 1976-1986. She was a graduate of Rutgers Newark. She also worked at the US Information Services in Istanbul, she was originally appointed to India. She died in Aberdeen. She was a member of the Oranges and Maplewood NAACP and New York CORE.

Hilda Johnson

1930-2017

Belleville yearbook, 1948

Hilda Johnson was one of Essex County’s first woman toll collectors. She was active in founding an early Newark preschool, where she was employed for several years. She was also active in civil rights, including the election of Ken Gibson and the March on Washington. Her obituary said, “A feisty little lady with a big heart and a big smile her passion was she loved and was
deeply devoted to her family.”

Marion Gibson

1928-2012

1945 Belleville yearbook

Marion Gibson was a founder of the Newark Preschool Council. She also worked for the Essex County Welfare Dept for 24 years and was a deaconess at Mother of Christ Ressurection Missionary Baptist Church.

Helen, Dorothy and Ermel

The other three Curvin daughters are Dorothy Spears (c. 1924), Ermel Parker (c. 1932) and Helen Martin (c. 1940). Ermel was treasurer of CORE, 1966 and 1968.