1924-1998
Known as “Queenie”, Queen James helped get Democrats elected, including Ken Gibson, Earl Harris, and Tom Giblin.
Queenie worked for the Gibson administration for 16 years, and served as a Democratic County Committe leader, in the South Ward for 25 years. She was also: Vice Chairwoman of the South Ward Democratic Organization, Vice Chairwoman of the Essex County Democratic Organization, Vice President of the Democratic Federation of Women, a commissioner for the NJ Real Estate Commission and President of the Essex County Democratic Women.
Mayor Sharpe James said, “She brought our ward [the South ward] to the attention of party leaders…Twenty five years ago she was fighting for women to have a voice in party politics. She is a tireless, extremely dedicated Democratic party worker who has never forgotten her roots in the South Ward.” Ray Durkin, chairman of the Essex County Democratic Committee said, “I don’t know how I would have made it [without her].” Queenie said, “It’s been great to serve a community like the South Ward. I’ve shared the good and bad, we’re like a family.”
Outside of politics, Queenie was a successful entrepreneur who owned a beauty salon and Chef Supreme Catering Service, her partner in the latter was Danny Williams. She said, “When I was 19, I opened my own beauty parlor at 51 West Street…Queen’s Beauty Parlor.”
Queenie was also known for her community service. She employed young people in the catering business and also fed youth who needed it. Councilman George Branch said, “She brought a lot of the table, she was a person you could trust and who was willing to give the most to make the city a better place”. Rep. Don Payne said, “She’s always been willing to help someone. That’s been her trademark.”
Queenie said the greatest joy in her life was helping others, “It makes me feel better, I’ve been doing it all my life.” She stated that she was inspired in politics by other women including Connie Woodruff, Amaelia Steward, and Louise Scott, and also by Irvine Turner, who would stop by her beauty salon.
In 1988, she celebrated her 25th anniversary with the Democrats with a cookout, and distributing food and clothing to the needy. In 1992, the City Council honored her for her service to the Democratic organization.
Born in Alabama, she came to Newark in 1941 and married Thomas James, with whom she celebrated her 50th anniversary in 1997.
Bibliography
Cummings, Charles F. “In Civil Rights, Charity and Politics they Made Their Mark” Star Ledger Mar 31, 2005
Carter, Barry. “Queen Elizabeth James, Democratic Kingmaker”. Star Ledger Jan 21, 1998
City National Bank ad, Star Ledger, Dec 5, 1978, pg 20
Lucas, Caryl R. “Queen of politics marks 25 year reign of service.” Star Ledger May 16, 1988
“Council Thanks Dem Official” Star Ledger Jun 22, 1992
US Social Security Death Index
Krueger Scott Oral History transcript