1947-
Huldah Clark made international news in 1961. Her family lived in the Christopher Columbus Housing Projects, with 6 children. Her father could not afford living expenses for the whole family, and also believed schools in Newark were segregated “Jim Crow schools”. When he received an offer from Nikita Khrushchev that would cover his daughter’s schooling, living, and travel at an international school in Russia he accepted.
Education in Russia was also promoted by groups like the Promotion of Education of Negroes in Russia. This was chaired by Clarence Coggins, who managed campaigns for Ken Gibson, Irvine Turner, and Earl Harris.
Huldah’s schooling was covered extensively in the news. After accusations of communism, in October 1961, Huldah’s mother claimed Huldah did not want to go to Russia. However, in Jun 1962, the Newark News stated she “liked school in Russia”. In October 1962, the News turned around again, stating she was “forced to return” to Russia.
In 1964, Huldah was arrested after supposedly interfering with police who tried to arrest who brothers for setting off fireworks. She stated the police were biased and she was manhandled.
She also spoke at a rights rally in Elizabeth that year.
However, in October that year she went back to Russia for a 4th year of schooling.
Though there has been some academic writing about Clark, it seems no source has found what happened to her since 1964.
However, a 2008 obituary for her brother Titus lists him leaving a sister “Huldah Clark”, suggesting she was still alive as of 2008.
Bibliography
Newark Library IF, Charles F Cummings NJ Information Center: Newark – Biography – C
Jersey Girl Going to School In Russia Seized in Newark, New York Times
“Clarence Coggins, 68. political social activist” Star Ledger Feb 2, 1993
O’Keeffe B. A Cold War Cold Case: What Huldah Clark Can Teach Us about Teaching Soviet History. Slavic Review. 2021;80(2):299-306. doi:10.1017/slr.2021.80