Bernice Bass

Feb 23, 2022

in 1910-1929 (Born), African Americans, Authors, Journalists and Writers, Entertainers, Theater and Music, Social Work, Civic and Philanthropy

1926-2000

Bernice Bass (right) had a major presence in the city’s music, radio, & political scenes.

Bernice had a Sunday evening radio program on WNJR: News & Views playing gospel, commentary and interviews, causing the Star Ledger to call her, “one of the city’s most influential newswoman” upon her death. She interviewed both Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X on her show, according to her funeral program. She also wrote a column called Community Corner in the NJ Afro American, based on her radio program.

Dr. Nathan Wright, organizer of the 1967 Newark Black Power Conference, wrote “Few voices calling for reflective judgment on the part of black people in Newark are raised more persistently than that of Mrs. Bernice Bass through her regular Sunday evening radio program.”

She was influential in the gospel music scene, best known for promoting gospel events. She was also a frequent emcee at events and organized a group. Her funeral program said, “although she never sang a note she was one of the most influence names in gospel music.”

A friend Robert Banks said, “Bernice was Newark’s unsung hero. Her concern was the human needs of people and she’d fight for them, even under threat of violence. She was that adamant.” Mayor Sharpe James said, “Because of Bernice Bass I’m a better person, Newark is a better city, and America is a better place.” Politically, Bernice “challenged [public officials] to live up to their oaths”.

Bernice grew up in Belleville on Heckel Street and later North 8th St attended Belleville High. By 1950, she lived with her whole family in Newark on Parkhurst, and later lived on Keer Ave. In April 1946, she had a story “Let’s Go Singing” published in the Herald News. She received many awards for her work. She was involved in the United Community Corp and National Council for Negro Women.