1930-2023
Zelma Collins was the first black teacher at South 17th Street School in 1952 and rose to principal! Later, she was principal of Clinton Ave. She was awarded Most Outstanding Alumnus from the Seton Hall School of Education in 1980.
As a child she lived on Barclay Street & Wright Street, after her parents came to Newark from Virginia (1940/1950 censuses).
Sources:
“Most Distinguised” Star Ledger October 27, 1980
“Seton Honors Newark Principal” Star Ledger October 17, 1980
Obituary: https://www.whighamfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Zelma-Collins?obId=28953452