Category: 1930-1959 (Born)
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Connie Francis
1937 (some sources say 1938)- Pop singer and chart topping vocalist. Connie was born Concetta Franconero in the Ironbound section of Newark. The family briefly lived in Brooklyn before moving to NJ. She…
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Betty Lester
1945-2021 Worked in Public Defenders Office. In 1977 appointed a Municipal Court Judge at age 31. In 1985 appointed to the Superior Court of the State of New Jersey. First African American woman…
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Eleta Caldwell
1945-2017 Principal at Arts High School 1991-2003, previously Chair of Art and teacher. Artist, co-founded the 1980s, “Black Women in Visual Perspective” Group which included Gladys Grauer. Exhibited at City Without Walls, and…
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Wilma Jackson Grey
1945- Image from Newark Library First African American woman to Direct Newark Public Library. Library employee for 46 years. Graduated Arts High 1962, Class President. Then attended Howard University. Bibliography Digital.npl.org: Photo, mentions…
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Barbara George
c. 1953-2000 First woman and first African American woman police captain. Weequahic graduate. Sharpe James called her a “trailblazer, role model and…hero”. Sister of Gigi Foushee. Previously first female sergeant in Police Department…
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Trish Morris-Yamba
1944*-2019 Founded the CHEN School. She was recognized as a visionary in the field of early childhood education. She was also the founding president of the Early Childhood Coalition of Newark.President of the…
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Sandra King
1948- Born in Newark. Weequahic Class of 1965. Graduated from Rutgers Newark. Board of Newark Library, Branch Brook Park, and NJ Institute for Social Justice. Host of Emmy Award Winning Due Process which…
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Maria Vizcarrondo-De Soto
1951- First woman and Latina President of United Way of Essex and Hudson. She was the first Hispanic elected Essex County surrogate. She was Executive Director of ASPIRA Inc of NJ headquartered on…