1887-1932
Stella Wright was a social worker from North Carolina who helped establish the Friendly Neighborhood House with Gladys Churchman and Louise Shugard, and was director of activities at the House, and help attract donors like Louis Bamberger.
She also helped to establish a Girls Club, as well as recreation centers at the Belmont Ave and Montgomery Street Schools.
Upon her death the Newark News ran an editorial stating, “in the death of Mrs. Stella B Wright welfare work for Negroes in New Jersey loses one of its most capable leaders. Mrs. Wright, herself of that race, put into that work not only keen sympathy and mental ability but efficiency developed through her training as a teacher. While she never lost sight of the human side she realized the value of organization and in all her activities was practical.”
Stella lived 768 High Street, however was in North Carolina for her health at the time of her death.
Stella Wright Homes was named after her, with the committee stating, “It would be most fitting to dedicate it to the pioneer of the new social life for the people of this area.”
Bibliography
Cummings, Charles F. “From writers to singers these women enriched city” Star Ledger Jun 13, 2002
Cummings, Charles F. “Black pioneers opened new avenues for the downtrodden” Star Ledger Feb 19, 2004
Cogdell, Josephine. “Those Inimitable Avatars the Negroes and Jews” The Messenger 1925
“Mrs. Stella B Wright” Newark News Aug 20, 1932
“Mrs. Wright Dies, Social Work Leader” Newark News Aug 18, 1932
“Homes to Honor Social Worker” Newark News Oct 18, 1959