c. 1900-1984
Mrs. Nellie Grier, who was known as “Mother Grier” in Newark, founded and directed the senior center on Clinton Ave (now named after her) and organized the Newark Senior Citizens Council.
In 1975, she organized the Emmanuel Senior Citizens Center. She said, “Too many older people sit home…just get worse…But when they come to our center they see others are doing alright and decide they can do it too.” She advocated for senior citizens throughout Essex County.
Nellie said, “If I didn’t help someone out I don’t feel I’d really be alive.”
Donald Payne called Nellie Grier “one of Newark’s most prominent citizens” and it was said she “exemplifies the best qualities of Black women”.
Nellie was also a Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star and was marshal of the Black Heritage Parade in 1982. In 1980, she received a Donald Payne Service Awatd.
Nellie came to Newark in 1954 and was born in Georgia.
Bibliography
Terrell, Stanley, “Mrs. Nellie Grier, 84, Leader of the Aged” Star Ledger, Sept 11, 1984; alt title: Nellie (Mother) Grier Leader of Newark Elderly
Kukla, Barbara J., “Courageous Seniors Activist Praised”, Star Ledger, Sept 17, 1984
Digitized material, Newark Library 1 2
Byrd, Frederick, “Mother Grier Thrives on Assisting Her Peers”, Star Ledger, April 28, 1980
“Service Awards” Star Ledger Jun 8, 1980
Shade Rita, “Nellie Grier tells Legislators What Its Like Our There” Jersey Journal Feb 18, 1976