1910-1987
Dorothy Turpin was an early Black teacher in the Newark Public Schools hired in 1945.
She was eventually appointed Supervisor of vocal music for the Newark schools and retired after 30 years in 1975.
Dorothy was also an organist and choir director for over 50 years, especially at First Baptist Peddie and Philips Metropolitan.
Dorothy was born in Bayonne and raised in Jersey City. Her father was born in the British West Indies and her mother in New York. She attended Lincoln High School and Newark State Teacher’s College.
Bibliography
“Smith, Dorothy (death notice) Star Ledger Nov 22, 1987
At Dr. Price Lecture, Tiny Prince Collection, Newark Library
“Christmas Worship Service” Star Ledger Dec 18, 1982
See Timeline of Black teachers here
Census records
“Former Jersey City Woman Named Supervisor” Jersey Journal Sept 15, 1964
Newark Library Digital Collection 1