1943-
Geneva Streeter (Wardell, Campbell) was the first Black “Queen of Rutgers-Newark” campus and her modeling career at Rutgers put her in national magazines. After college, she became a Newark teacher and principal for many years.
Geneva Streeter grew up in Newark living at 156 Livingston St in 1950. She graduated West Side High, class of 1960. She received a college scholarship from the Leaguers and participated as a debutante. She also won the NCCJ Brotherhood Youth Camp Award. She went on to attend Rutgers-Newark. Geneva was also Miss Junior NAACP in 1958.
Geneva modeled while at Rutgers. She participated in contests including Miss Newark and the Cherry Blossom Queen contest, placing 3rd in the latter. In 1962, at Rutgers, Geneva was the first Black “Queen of Campus”, which made national news. In Jan 1963, she was a covergirl for Jet Magazine and in Sept she was the centerfold. A 1964 Newark News profile stated she’d also been on the cover of Ebony.
Geneva’s modeling allowed her to travel around the country. In 1961, she epresented the Shriners in Cincinnati, where she won Miss Golaconda. In 1963, she took part in the Negro Emancipation Exhibition and Miss Centennial Contest in Chicago and was selected to represented the Centennial at the New York World’s Fair. She also modeled for Ballantine & Sons and was sent as their representative around the country.
Geneva also did many other activities while at Rutgers. She was VP of the youth unit of the NAACP, a member of Delta Sigma Chi, a cheerleader, a choir member and in the history club. She also volunteered at Camden Street Elementary School, taught Sunday school at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church and had a part-time job as a dental assistant. She also worked as a recreation instructor for children at Hayes Homes.
Geneva graduated Rutgers in 1964 and attended Newark State Teachers College. She said she was looking for something more stable than modeling, saying, “I’ve always enjoyed working with children and young people. I talk to them and help them any way I can.” In 1965, she married Charles Wardell.
Geneva was successful as a teacher. By 1977 she was principal of Alexander Street School and by 1984 she was principal of Chancellor Avenue School. In 1993, Geneva married former superintendent Eugene Campbell.
Bibliography
Rutgers Newark 1964 yearbook
“Reigns at Newark Rutgers” Newark News Jun 2, 1962
1950 Census
“Troth Told of Teacher” Newark News Nov 3, 1965
Jet Magazine: https://www.flickr.com/photos/vieilles_annonces/14346700276
“Award Eight Scholarships” Newark News Jun 25, 1960
“Beauty and Brains” Newark News May 21, 1964
“Eye Balm” Newark News Apr 24, 1961
“NAACP Youth Unit” Newark News Jan 28, 1961
“Leaguers Debs…” Afro American Jul 9, 1960″
“Shrine Contestant…” Atlanta Daily World Jul 26, 1961
“First Negro…” Star Ledger Jun 2, 1962
“Crown for a Campus Queen” Daily News Jun 3, 1962
“Izzy Rowe’s Notebook” New Pittsburgh Courier Sept 14, 1963
Randazzo, John. “Model Sees Glamour in Career as Teacher” Daily News May 24, 1964
“Higher Math” Star Ledger Mar 8, 1977
“School Board..” Star Ledger Oct 1, 1984
NJ Marriage Index