c. 1894-1973
Reita Cornell was was President of the NJ State Association of Daughters of the Elks. In this role she travelled nationally and took part in various events and committee.
In 1939 she was honored by the Elks at a Banquet celebrating her work.
Reita was part 1941 committee to welcome the 372nd regiment, the only Colored Regiment, to Newark in 1941 and helped dedicate an interracial community center at 96 North Street in 1939. In 1940, she helped host a dinner for ex-governor Hoffman.
Reita was also involved in some political action. She was involved in protests against racial bias in the late 1930s, with the Elks. In 1940, she was state organizer of the Wilkie Colored Women’s Voter League.
Reita was also involved in Newark events. For example, in 1941 she helped organized an annual emancipation celebration at St. John Methodist Church and in 1943, she helped plan a testimonial for newspaper publisher Fred Clark and was part of a Victory Day Rally.
Reita was also a delegate of the Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, attending their annual convention in 1943 and assisted with the NJ Civil Liberties League.
Reita was born in Maryland but lived in Newark from at least 1930, living for many years at 69 Avon Ave, and dying at 27 Grand Ave.
Bibliography
“Vote Can End Civil Service” Chicago Defender Apr 30, 1938
“Dedicate Interracial Center at Newark”, New Journal and Guide Jun 10, 1939
“Men Behind the Women I’ll Always Be There to Give a Helping Hand” Afro American Sept 7, 1946
https://archive.org/details/NewarkEagles0305018
“NJ Ex Governor Guest” Washington Afro American March 30, 1940
“Celebrate Anniversary” The Courier News Apr 29, 1958
“Elk Officials At Banquet” Afro American Dec 9, 1939
“New Jersey Elks Protest Prejudice” The Call May 6, 1938
“Beauticians Open Wilkie Campaign” Washington Afro American Sept 14, 1940
“Newark Set to Present Emancipation Program” Afro American Jan 4, 1941
“Around New Jersey” Afro American Apr 3, 1943
Harrington, Lucye, “NBPW Urged to Plan Post War Job Insuarnce” Washington Afro American Nov 6, 1943
“Baxter Terrace Welfare Club holds first dinner” Newark News Jan 2, 1943
“Speakers at Victory Day Rally” Newark News Jun 12, 1943