Category: Social Work, Civic and Philanthropy

Josephine Belle Janifer

Jun 12, 2024

in 1910-1929 (Born), African Americans, Education, Museums and Libraries, Phyllis Wheatley Society, Social Work, Civic and Philanthropy

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…
Rose S. Ray Moryck

Sep 21, 2023

in 1850-1869 (Born), African Americans, Born or raised in Newark (high school or before), Education, Museums and Libraries, Phyllis Wheatley Society, Social Work, Civic and Philanthropy

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,…
Mary and Louise Curcio

Jun 13, 2023

in 1890-1909 (Born), Born or raised in Newark (high school or before), Education, Museums and Libraries, Entertainers, Theater and Music, People With Disabilities, Social Work, Civic and Philanthropy

c. 1901-1973? , c. 1904-1987 The featured photo (above) is Mary Curcio, Daily News, 1931. Mary and Louise Curcio were two blind sisters born to Eva Bender and Paul Curcio in Newark. They lived on Morris Avenue. Mary entered school for the first time at Washington St. Public School when the first class for the…
Everane (Eva) Crump Harris

Feb 14, 2023

in 1910-1929 (Born), Born or raised in Newark (high school or before), Education, Museums and Libraries, Social Work, Civic and Philanthropy

1913-2006 Eva Harris was born in Pleasantdale, NJ but lived in Newark by 1930 and in the Ironbound at 101 Hawkins St by 1950, after her first husband died. She lived in the Ironbound for the rest of her life. Eva Harris was a teacher’s aide at Hawkins Street School for many years. She was…
Willie Belle Hooper

Jan 18, 2023

in 1890-1909 (Born), African Americans, Education, Museums and Libraries, Social Work, Civic and Philanthropy

1906-1999 Willie Belle Cooper was born in Georgia (maiden name: Saunders) and attended school, including getting a teaching certificate in Florence, S.C, after which she taught in several rural schools. According to her daughter, Newark would not accept her teaching certificate. In her oral history she says she tried to get “in school” and couldn’t…
Asimina Speros Zois

Jan 10, 2023

in 1890-1909 (Born), Born or raised in Newark (high school or before), Business & Entrepreneur, Immigrant (born outside the Continental US), Social Work, Civic and Philanthropy

1909-1987 Asimina Zois began sending care packages back to her native village in Greece after WWII, and later sent packages to Vietnam servicemen all over the world. In 1969 the post office gave her a Humanitarian Award for her work. She said, “What we throw away in this country they can use over there. The…
Anna Lois Russ Jones

Jan 9, 2023

in 1910-1929 (Born), African Americans, Athletics, Community Activists, Education, Museums and Libraries, Social Work, Civic and Philanthropy

1911-1987 Anna Jones was the mother of Amiri Baraka who was active in the community in education and civic activism, and a champion sprinter in her youth. She was also administrator of Community Hospital, Newark’s Black hospital, for many years. Born in Alabama, Anna lived in Newark from around 1926. She attended Tuskegee, Fisk, and…
Maggie Clay Beckett

Jan 9, 2023

in 1890-1909 (Born), African Americans, Business & Entrepreneur, Phyllis Wheatley Society, Social Work, Civic and Philanthropy

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…