c. 1926-1978
Owned the Key Club, one of Newark’s most famous jazz clubs, with her husband. She ran the club after her husband died In 1976 she was named Newark’s Woman of the Year and received a Key to the City. In 1977, she organized the “Newark Salutes Jazz” festival.
She was a member of the Black Tavern Owners Association and Black Women United of NJ. She volunteered with the City and with Essex County College, promoting jazz.
Born in Belleville and attended Bloomfield schools.
New Jersey Afro American Obit Mar 25, 1978 [front page]:
Bibliography
Kukla, Barbara J. “From Suffragettes to the State House”
“Mrs. Eugenia Dawkins, Newark Jazz Promoter”, Star Ledger, Mar 20 1978
Cummings, Charles, “Today’s City Residents Build on Their Legacy” Star Ledger Mar 7, 2002
Levi, Allen “Newark to host a week of jam” Star Ledger Jun 3, 1977
Rites for Walter Dawkins, Suicide in His Club Baltimore Afro American Mar 27, 1973
“Music, crowds spark Key Club tribute” Star Ledger Jan 28, 1977
New Jersey Afro American Obit Mar 25, 1978