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 a social worker for the Urban League and work supervisor for the Neighborhood Youth Corps. She was also a counselor for the Newark Jobs Corp.
Josephine served widely in the community as the President of the Newark Public Library Board of Trustees. She was cited as the first woman to serve on the Board at the Library when she was appointed in 1976, though other articles said, “the first woman in a quarter century”.
She was also one of the first women to serve on the Board of Trustees of Blue Shield of New Jersey and was President and a member of the Auxiliary of the Crippled Children’s Hospital. She also served on the boards of the United Way of Essex and West Hudson, the Essex County Human Services Advisory Council, the Essex County Advisory Board for Handicapped Citizens, the Institute Advisory Council, the Teen Power House Advisory Board, the Mental Health Association of Essex County, Catholic Community Services, the Home and School Association of Branch Brook School and the Bruce Street School for the Deaf. She also was a member of the Phillis Wheatley Literary Club and Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated sorority.
In her retirement tribute it was said of Mrs. Janifer, “Throughout her life Mrs. Janifer continually worked to improve the quality of life for many, many Newark residents. Her commitment to service goes far beyond the normal boundaries of human accomplishment.”
Josephine was the sister of Martha Belle Williams. She graduated from Montclair High School in 1943 and Upsala College, 1947.
Bibliography
Newark Library Collections 1 2
“Library trustee named” Star Ledger, Aug 22, 1976
“In Appreciation” Star Ledger Jul 19, 1979
Terrell, Stanley, “Head Picked for Newark Job Council” Aug 10, 1979
Photo, Barbara Kukla Papers, Newark Library
“Takes Degree” Afro American Jun 28, 1947
“Gets Fellowship” Afro American Oct 11, 1947
“Seniors Take” Montclair Times Jun 17, 1943
“Headstart Picks Woman” Star Ledger Sept 2, 1972
“Headstart Names Director” Star Ledger May 22, 1968