Gloria Hopkins Buck

Oct 11, 2025

in 1930-1959 (Born), African Americans, Education, Museums and Libraries, Social Work, Civic and Philanthropy

1939-

Gloria Hopkins Buck is widely involved in culture and philanthropy throughout Newark. She has served as a Trustee at the Newark Museum and is a founding charter member and Chairperson for the Newark Black Film Festival. She was on the the Literacy In the Arts Task Force, appointed by Gov Kean. She has been involved with the Boys and Girls Club of Newark as Vice President and member of the Board of Trustees.

Gloria also was a founding member of the Board of Directors, NJ Coalition of 100 Black Women and served as Vice President of Arts and Culture; was on the board of governors of trustees for the New Jersey State Opera; and was the Commissioner of the Newark Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission for three years, appointed by Mayor Sharpe James in 2003.

Prior to retirement Gloria worked as a LCSW with the Newark Public Schools for over 30 years and then as a public relations consultant. She is a founding member and former President of First Friday Group, Inc.

Gloria grew up in Washington DC and earned her Bachelor’s from Howard and Masters of Social Work from Rutgers. She married Milton Buck in 1961, who later became BA for the city and then director of the Newark Housing Authority.