1928-2012
Born in Newark. Worked 15 years with the North Jersey Community Union later named Newark Community Health Center, as a Social Outreach Manager and clerk in the Social Security program. She was the Chairperson of Essex County Welfare Rights and Manager of Newark Consumer Buyers Club, as well as director of the United Welfare Group of Newark. She helped found Welfare Rights in Newark.
From Newarker Magazine: “August 1968 found her leading welfare mothers in a picket line at the Essex County Courthouse demanding higher benefits; the next month, a sleep-in for more back-to-school clothing funds. By 1969 she was in charge of a National Welfare Rights Organization contingent that “stormed the State House in Trenton,” as the Star-Ledger put it.”
Other organizations that Mother Kidd served on were Urban League of Essex County, The Mayor’s Manpower Planning Council, People’s Action Group and she was a member and Vice President of Essex/Newark Chapter Legal Services Project.
Her funeral program said “Through the years she was affiliated with many organizations that were designed to uplift, protect and advance the residents of Newark. To help them solve their immediate problems in housing and consumer action. She was one of the original Community Organizers. She quietly spoke boldly to equip and educate people to get involved with the events that would shape and effect their everyday lives“
Bibliography
Funeral program, Rise Up Newark
“Marion Kidd” Star Ledger Sept 27, 2012
“Room to Grow” Star Ledger Dec 25, 1988
“The protestors win support” Star Ledger Sept 17, 1968
“Conference” Star Ledger Apr 17, 1997
Strub, Whitney. “Mutual Aid in the Time of Rebellion: With No One to Help Us” Newarker Apr 2022
Interview with Marion Kidd, Smith College Libraries
Guida West Papers, Smith College Libraries
“County Hears Complaints of Welfare Recipients” Newark News Sept 23, 1966