1911-1994
Wilnora Holman was a community leader in Newark and an activist in education, housing and senior services.
Mrs. Holman was a Housing Authority commissioner from 1989-1995. She was also Tenant Association President at James C. White Manor, chairwoman of the Central Ward Advisory Council, and president of the George Branch Civic Association.
Mrs. Holman was president of the Essex County Council of PTAs and briefly served on the Board of Education. She established the Wilnora Holman Scholarship fund for students and was a member of the NJ Association of Black Educators.
Mrs. Holman was also a senior citizen leader, a founding member of the Newark Senior Citizens Council, member of the Senior Citizen Commission and chairperson of the Sharing and Caring Senior Task Force.
Mayor James said she was a “a kind and caring individual [whose] numerous awards and accolades stand as a testimony of the kind of life she led. Harold Lucas of NHA stated, “Mrs. Holman may have been slight in build but she was big in heart and spirit.”
Mrs. Holman received many awards including an honorary degree from Essex County College (1987), the Sojourner Truth Award from the Association of Negro and Professional Business Women (1987), a service award from the Association of African American Educators, a Brotherhood award from the Newark Human Rights Commission (1978), and Senior Citizen of the Year (1973)
Mrs. Holman moved to Newark as a teenager and she and her husband operated the Holman Rug and Upholstery Cleaning Business. Later she was a classroom aide at several Newark schools.
Bibliography
Kukla, Barbara “‘Mother Holman’ Recalled As Leader” Star Ledger Oct 10, 1994
Roberts, Reginald, “Newark School Activist is appointed to Board” Star Ledger Feb 11, 1989
“Mrs. Wilnora Holman Dies” City News Oct 12, 1994
“Holman Assails Fare Hikes” Star Ledger Apr 23, 1986