Category: Phyllis Wheatley Society
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Una Janifer
1891-1963 Una Janifer, the mother-in-law of Josephine Janifer was extremely active in Newark civic life. In Feb 1963, she received the Brotherhood Award from the Newark Human Rights Committee. Una was born Una Staunton in Auburn NY and graduated Syracuse University, where she met her husband Dr. Clarence Janifer, in 1911. She taught briefly including…
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Estelle Morris
1881-1979 Estelle Morris was a civic activist and women’s club leader, active in the NJ Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs, Sojourner Truth branch of the YWCA, Newark Community Chest and many other organizations. Mother of Mildred Morris Williams and Irene Morris. Estelle was Regional President of Northwest Region in the NJ State Federation of Colored…
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Catherine Mouserrone Lynch
1876-1939 Catherine Lynch was the founding Secretary of the Phyllis Wheatley Society and secretary of the Board of Management of Colored Home for Aged and Orphans, for 32 years. She was also involved in the 250th anniversary of Newark celebration. In 1941, a plaque was unveiled in her honor at the Colored Home. Catherine grew…
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Josephine Belle Janifer
1925-2018 Born in Montclair, Josephine Janifer was appointed executive director of the Newark Preschool Council in 1972, after serving with the Council since the 1960s. In 1979, she became the first Director of the Newark Private Industry Council, an employment and training group for disadvantaged residents. According to a 1976 article, Josephine also worked as…
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Rose S. Ray Moryck
c. 1858 -1942 Rose S. Ray Moryck was the mother of Brenda Moryck. Rose was one of the first colored teachers and principals in NJ, according to her obituary in the New York Age. She hasn’t been found in the Board of Education Reports for Newark, so where Rose taught is a mystery. In Newark,…
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Maggie Clay Beckett
c. 1892-1972 Maggie Clay Beckett founded the James H. Beckett funeral home with her husband. Maggie was President of the New Jersey State Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs 1943-1947, as well as former Vice President. She was the first advisor to the Junior Federation. She was instrumental in presenting a pageant with the group at…
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Sarah Elizabeth Collins Houston
1895-1986 Sarah Elizabeth Collins Houston (usually went by Elizabeth, possibly because her mother was also Sarah Elizabeth) was the grandmother of Whitney Houston. She was born in California in 1896 but lived in Newark on Beach St by the time she was 14. Her father was minister at St. James AME Church. Elizabeth graduated from…
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Emily B Thomas
1870-1924 Emily B Thomas was an assistant teacher to James Baxter at the Colored School from at least 1888. She pent most of her teaching career at Commerce Street School and was a member of the Phyllis Wheatly Society. Emily was appointed a delegate to the National Congress of Colored Educators, by the Governor, in…