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Margaret Brydon Laird
1871-1968 Margaret Laird was a leader in the women’s suffrage movement and NJ’s first Assemblywoman, elected with Jennie C. Van Ness. She was born in Newark and lived there most of her life. She attended Newark schools and graduated the Newark City Hospital Training School for Nurses in 1895 and lived in Newark until the…
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Gladys Hillman-Jones
1938-1998 Gladys Hillman-Jones worked 32 years as a teacher and administrator for the Newark Public Schools, becoming deputy superintendent. In her eulogy, Rev. James Scott said, “if Gladys left no other legacy it was that she told us in so many countless ways that we can make a difference”, and stated that she had a…
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Dr. Linda Caldwell Epps
c. 1951- Dr. Linda Caldwell Epps grew up in Elizabeth and has a long connection to Newark. She graduated from Douglass College in 1973. Dr. Epps served as President and CEO of the NJ Historical Society, in Newark. She’s also served as a consultant to various colleges, funded by the Ford Foundation, and held various…
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Rebecca Newby
1919/1920-2005 Born in Alabama, raised in Newark, Newby attended Robert Treat and West Side High, where she was a member of the Glee Club and voted most likely to succeed vocally. She lived at 115 Wickliff in 1940. Newby designed and made dresses and was known as a fashion model. She studied fashion at Pratt…
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Josephine Belle Janifer
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…
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Geneva, Helena and Gertrude Turman
The three Turman sisters performed with their brother Buddy in nighclubs around Newark and New York. Gertrude Turman performed in Newark nightclubs as a “shake dancer”. Helena also specialized in dance. Geneva Turman was a popular soloist. They lived on Chester Ave in Newark as children. Helena Turman 1914-1970 Besides family performances, danced in shows…
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Louise A Stewart Spencer
1916-1971 Louise A Spencer was director of the (combined) Newark Parent Teachers Associations. She was vice President of the Newark March of Dimes and served on the Essex County PTA. She was a member of the Baxter Terrace Youth Organization, Baxter Terrace Tenement League and North District Public Commission Council. Louise A Spencer Elementary School,…
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Mamie White Bridgeforth
1944- Mamie Bridgeforth was a City Council member from 1998-2006. She is a community leader, professor, Chairperson of the Division of Social Sciences at Essex County College, and an ordained minister. She is currently Pastor of the Faith Christian Center Ministries in Newark, New Jersey. Bridgeforth has worked for Essex County as a faculty member for…
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Wilnora Holman
1911-1994 Wilnora Holman was a community leader in Newark and an activist in education, housing and senior services. Mrs. Holman was a Housing Authority commissioner from 1989-1995. She was also Tenant Association President at James C. White Manor, chairwoman of the Central Ward Advisory Council, and president of the George Branch Civic Association. Mrs. Holman…
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Ruth Greenberg Shiminsky
1918-1971 Ruth Shiminsky ran for NJ Governor on the Socialist Workers Party in 1961 (living 202 Clinton Pl Newark), 1965 (2 Aldine St, Newark). In 1965, she was the only woman candidate for governor. She opposed the Vietnam War, supported Civilian Review Boards, and supported a higher minimum wage and a shorter work week. She…