By Monique Howard WESTVILLE—In 1921, Louis Grossman, the owner of an oil and gas store in North Woodbury, initially organized the Helping Hand Fire Company. Founded in 1922, the Helping Hand Fire Company’s legacy has stood the test of time as one of the oldest African American volunteer fire companies in the state of New… Read More
Originally from Brooklyn, New York, civil rights attorney Stanley King was given the opportunity as an undergrad to serve in an internship with the United States Commission of Civil Rights. As an intern, he worked with Ebenezer Baptist Church (which was pastored by Martin Luther King Jr.) and the surrounding community. In addition to serving at this historical landmark, he devoted time to the King Center and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
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By Emmanuel Young, SJIEP Fellow (2022) William “Bill” Corsey III was about 15 years old when he first learned about his family’s history. He heard that there was a man with the same name as him buried in a Black cemetery in South Jersey. And that year, in 1964, Corsey and his family began searching… Read More
By Emmanuel Young, SJIEP Fellow (2022) Across South Jersey, many towns have historical sites of significance to the history of African Americans. In Gloucester County, an old schoolhouse that predates desegregation and a church that once served as a stop along the Underground Railroad are two historical landmarks that play a crucial role in preserving… Read More
By Ahnyah Pinckney, SJIEP Fellow (2022) Five years ago, Ernest Brown of Sicklerville was coaching a local team as part of a church basketball league. Afterward, one of the kids approached Brown and asked if he might teach him to play. He agreed to share some pointers and brought his son for practice on a… Read More
By Jayden Cohen-Boyce, SJIEP Fellow (2022) On the first Friday of each month, Willingboro Heart and Soul (HANDS) hosts “Fresh Fridays” events at different locations throughout Willingboro. The evening series provides an opportunity for the community to gather and participate in activities, including basketball, double dutch, and make-and-take crafts. Fresh Fridays also serve as a… Read More