1914-1996
Renee Starks Steed was a fashion designer. She directed Renee’s School of French Designing and Modeling (591 High St) and ran New York Hat Shoppe 392 Springfield Ave.
Renee founded Renee Stark Enterprises and Renee’s Rental Services. She also owned Renee’s Acreage Recreational Area in Tuckahoe, NJ.
Renee founded the New Jersey Community Council on Drug Addiction and High Society Organization which sponsored the Black and White annual Ball to raise money for drug rehabilitation.
Renee ran for Central Ward council in the 1970 election. She left three buildings on High Street (MLK) to the Library in her will, which were sold to Saint James AME Church.
Born Renee Gregory in Georgia, Renee was listed in many Who’s Who publications. She lived in Newark at 595 High Street (1970) and lived in Newark from about 1940.
Bibliography
“Ball to Help Drug Addicts” Star Ledger Mar 12, 1967
Newark Library Digital Collection 1 2
“8 Seeking Central Ward Seat” Newark News May 7, 1970
Photo from Al Henderson Collection, Newark Library
“Drug Addicts Get a Mother’s Help” Star Ledger Apr 2, 1967
“3 More File for Election” Star Ledger Mar 6, 1970
“Renee Starks” Star Ledger May 9, 1970
“Renee Starks-Steed, Designer, Entrepreneur ” Star Ledger Mar 29, 1996
“Woman’s dying wish helps bring historic Newark church a new home” NJ.com Jul 13, 2015
“Negro Designer She Dares Hoodlums” Newark News Aug 11, 1968
“Group Airs Plan to Help Addicts” Newark May 8, 1962