1930-2023
Zelma Collins was the first Black teacher at South 17th Street School in 1952 and rose to principal in 1973, the first Black principal. From 1986, she was principal of Clinton Ave., before retiring in 1996. She taught briefly at Oliver Street School before South 17th. She said, “I left a legacy…I gave it my best every day.”
Zelma was awarded Most Outstanding Alumnus from the Seton Hall School of Education in 1980. In retirement, she won a Gardening Award from Greater Newark Conservancy. She was involved with the Women’s League of New Jersey.
On her obituary a student wrote, “I am better for having been a student while Mrs. Collins was a teacher at South 17th Street School. It was amazing to watch her each day as she made her way through the halls while making her presence known with every step. This very self-confident and educated Black woman left indelible imprint on my life.”
As a child Zelma lived on Barclay Street & Wright Street, after her parents came to Newark from Virginia (1940/1950 censuses). She attended Miller Street School, South Side, and Newark State Teachers College (Kean). She received a graduate degree from Seton Hall.
Sources:
“Most Distinguised” Star Ledger October 27, 1980
“Seton Honors Newark Principal” Star Ledger October 17, 1980
“State run Newark…” Star Ledger Aug 16, 1996
Obituary: https://www.whighamfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Zelma-Collins?obId=28953452
Digital collections, Newark Library
“Greater Newark Conservancy…” Star Ledger Nov 11, 1999
Chiles, Nick “State picks…” Star Ledger Aug 17, 1996
Walker, Steven “Wee Valentines” Star Ledger Feb 14, 1992
Phipps, Janice “How to Teach…” Star Ledger Oct 30, 1989
“Scholarship Brunch” Star Ledger Apr 27, 1983