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PRESERVE:

Narratives from Historic Haddonfield’s AfricanAmerican Community

FEBRUARY 2024 Published in association with The Preserving Black Haddonfield History Project A Haddonfield Alumni Society Sub-Committee

Celebrating our commonalities and building a more harmonious community.

THE SUN SPECIAL SECTION — FEBRUARY 7-13, 2024

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Rebecca Hilgen Bryan, DNP, APN Gregory McMillan, DTh Lisa Lacroce Patterson C. Adrienne Rhodes** Joseph Serico, EdD* Malcolm Talton Christopher Wolfe *NOTE: Denotes associate editor/proofreader. **NOTE: Denotes general project administration.

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The Preserving Black Haddonfield History Project operates as a Haddonfield Alumni Society Sub-Committee Haddonfield Educational Trust is its fiscal agent. Additional information is available at the Haddonfield Public Library Local History Webpage. https://www.haddonfieldlibrary.org/local-history

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FEBRUARY 7-13, 2024 — THE SUN SPECIAL SECTION

OP-ED – it was a place that just “took it easy” and was comfortable with the status quo. This included an acceptance of their being separate spheres of Black and white communities. He noted that the Black community lived quietly in their isolation, with one (and only one) exception – he vividly remembered Black residents picketing the local movie theater when “The Birth of a Nation” was playing. The Black community compensated for their marginalization in town by creating exactly that – a true, self-contained and strong community. The two Black churches were focal points for most. Two large social halls provided gathering opportunities as well. Stores and businesses flourished. Associations with the Black residents from Batesville (a section of today’s Cherry Hill) right across the town line were part of the community as well. Marginalization in education and economic opportunity remained the norm. In the first half of the 20th century and even later, Black students were not encouraged to pursue advanced degrees, the assumption being that they were more suited to manual and blue collar jobs. However, some did and several landed in the teaching profession. In occupations, the 1920 census shows literally only a few Blacks holding professional jobs or owning businesses. Laborers, gardeners, chauffeurs and domestic jobs of all kinds predominate. There was one sign of coming change– upwards of twenty Black men were employed by a “soup company” – obviously Campbell’s soup in Camden—work that moved them away from employment by local white families. Their world was starting to expand. The second half of the 20th century would bring much positive change and opportunities for the Black community–through the GI bill, desegregation, advanced educational opportunities, the Civil Rights Movement—among many factors. Yet many challenges remain. Again, I note how this project is an essential tool to record the history that helps us with perspective for today and to chart a better future. DOUGLAS RAUSCHENBERGER Borough Historian

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The “Preserving Black Haddonfield History Project” has focused a welcome spotlight on the many and important contributions of the African-American population of our town. The first volume of PRESERVE: NARRATIVES FROM HISTORIC HADDONFIELD’S AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY understandably was based on interviews of the older members of the community – those with the deepest experience and knowledge to share. The second volume continues to provide the insights and perspectives from members of the Black community moving up a generation. It recognizes the expansion into leadership roles in a variety of fields. These memories will continue to enrich our understanding and appreciation of all aspects of Haddonfield’s history. I look forward to even more interviews and publications as the project continues. Throughout the first half of the 20th century, the Black community in Haddonfield was especially vibrant and active. It was centered on what some called “The Point” section of Haddonfield, where Ellis and Potter Streets intersect and including Lincoln, Douglass, and E. Park Avenues. This was home to most of the Black residents – 225 of the nearly 300 in town. Another 41 resided in what was known as Stokleytown on Haddon Avenue, where the Haddonfield Commons stands today. Another 15 were employed and lived on the Bancroft school campus. Another dozen and half were scattered through the town, mostly laborers on the remaining farms or living with white families as domestics. Living in Haddonfield was strictly segregated. Society also was segregated. I was fortunate to speak with I.F. Stone, one of the most respected and honored journalists of the 20th century, shortly before his death in 1989. Stone, then Isadore Feinstein (his given name), graduated from Haddonfield Memorial High School in 1924 and his father ran a general store on Kings Highway. He was an astute observer even as a child. He had very positive memories of living in town (even as one of the few Jewish families), but he looked back on Haddonfield, during this time, as being an almost “southern” town in certain ways

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THE SUN SPECIAL SECTION — FEBRUARY 7-13, 2024

Linda Armstead

Edward James Earlie III

July 4, 1957

By Loudon Vest and Sebastien Griffault “I’m a true Haddonfield girl, true to the bone,” proclaims Linda Armstead. This lifelong resident’s home was once a schoolhouse for Black children. It has been a proud part of her family legacy for decades. Growing up, Ms. Armstead knew the importance of her neighborhood. She affectionately calls the once all-Black enclave her “village.” Although some African-American businesses and homes were on Lincoln and Fowler Avenues, her village consists of four streets: Douglass Avenue, East Park Avenue, Potter Street, and Ellis Street. She recalls how it took the whole village to raise her. As a child, she treated all the adults in her village like her parents and explains: “Anyone (adult) on my street could say anything to us (children) when we were growing up. We would obey them….. No talking back. Yes, ma’am. Yes, sir…..So, that’s the outlook.” Joining the Marionettes is among Ms. Armstead’s favorite memories of her youth. It was an all-girl drum corps run by a seasoned African-American woman on Ellis Street long before modern youth development programs came into existence. She fondly recalls creating costumes with sheets, bric brac, buttons, and other notions. And, while the troop didn’t march in any Haddonfield parades, the girls were always welcome to do so in neighboring Lawnside. Block parties were also popular on her street. On summer nights, when Douglass Avenue was closed and lights were strung, neighbors would bring out chairs, tables, and food for a fun-filled evening of music, camaraderie, and more. Things were different on Sundays. It was the Lord’s day. Faith played a huge role in Ms. Armstead’s childhood, growing up near Mount Olivet Baptist Church. She reminisces: “I accepted Christ when I was very young; at eight years (old)…..

There’s nothing I can do without Him. I’m just here as a vessel…..You have to follow Him and (know) he’s there to guide you.” Philippians 4:4 is her favorite scripture: “I rejoice in the Lord always.” As religion and family serve as the two pillars of her life, and almost everything else stems from either or both institutions, she expresses a strong personal passion for childcare–an issue that emerged during her childhood. The “village” in which she grew up was immeasurably important to her development as a self-sufficient person, and her passion for improving childcare is an extension of her desire to see every child experience the same loving sense of community. She has long-aspired to own a daycare facility and provide a trusted place close to home and work where children can thrive. Like her uncles, and older brother, Ms. Armstead attended Haddonfield Memorial High School. While there, she favored two faculty members who played significant roles in her high school years. From her history teacher, Mr. Shanahan, and theater teacher Mr. Shaw, Ms. Armstead learned valuable life lessons and was encouraged to pursue her potential. Ms. Armstead participated in the drama club, where she became president in her senior year. She was also a member of the concert choir, chorale, and the Madrigals. Additionally, she was a percussionist in the HMHS band and remained active throughout her high school experience before graduating in 1976.

April 9, 1957

Taking the initiative to explore higher education options on her own when she was overlooked by school authorities, after graduating, Ms. Armstead went to West Virginia Wesleyan in Buckhannon, West Virginia. This was a culturally enriching experience for her and a stunning revelation to those for whom it was difficult to imagine someone like her landing there. “I never saw a potbelly stove before. You’d see people sitting in the hardware store around the potbelly stove.” The scenery was beautiful, but “when it snowed there, you might be snowed in for a month.” When that happened, they would have to go to school on Saturdays to make up the lost time. Ms. Armstead later transferred to Rutgers–The State University at New Brunswick, NJ, where she earned the bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Psychology and is approaching retirement following more than 20 years of service as a state government official. The obstacle encountered along her path to Wesleyan is in line with other challenges of being a Black woman in a predominantly white town. Others would often say “they didn't know ‘Blacks’ lived in Haddonfield.” Presumably because of her skin color: “I have been told more than once that I did not live in Haddonfield. I was told that I live in Lawnside or Camden.” Although this used to be upsetting, she has matured, and realizes these assumptions reflect ignorance. A lot has changed since the days when Ms. Armstead’s vision was impacted by historic events like the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, emergence of the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr., and moonwalks marking U.S. dominance in exploring outer space. But these things–combined with her moral compass and family values–have a place in her ongoing philanthropic endeavors. As a longstanding member of the please see ARMSTEAD, page 9

By Arlene Young “Don’t be ashamed to pray.” This is the mantra of Edward James Earlie III, raised in a religious household on Douglass Avenue, where he was taught treating people with respect will earn respect: “Never think you’re better than the next person (either),” he professes. Mr. Earlie walks the earth putting his trust in God and chooses to have no fear. He is an easy-going man who does not value accumulating an abundance of money. He does not need it to feel fulfilled. His marriage is one of his most memorable moments. He is grateful to finally have put down roots, ending transcontinental travels as a bachelor and residing abroad in Germany as well as California and Texas. His father, the son of a coal miner from the Alabama hills, was not only the most positive role model in the junior Mr. Earlie’s life but also a self-made merchant seaman who acquired and managed multiple properties while working at an armory for Smith and Wesson. This included a place he rented to his future wife’s sister in Springfield, MA, and the multi-bedroom ranch house he built in Haddonfield. Mr. Earlie recalls how most locals were suspicious of his father and unsure of who was coming into the tightknit neighborhood. Undeterred by conflict, back in Springfield, romance outweighed practicality. When he discovered the younger sister of his tenant was prettier and had previously married a successful man, he chose her. They married and relocated to this well-kept historic town. Allegedly, “she, too, wasn’t liked by the other ladies in the neighborhood….” Living in Haddonfield, a predominantly white town, helped Mr. Earlie adopt an appreciation for engaging with people beyond the African-American enclave where he was raised. “Being the only dot in a class, you had to still get along with everybody.” Over the years, this lesson has proved beneficial. Seemingly inspired by his father’s example, at the age of

twelve, Mr. Earlie landed his first paying job lining the Centennial sports field, which was located behind his house. He remembers making $100 and how his parents would argue when his father would take the earnings. The senior Mr. Earlie would use these funds to buy gas for commuting to his post at McGuire Air Force Base where he oversaw housing maintenance; he always told the eldest of his two sons that he would understand when he got older. The Earlie household included three daughters, too. Among the other fond memories, Mr. Earlie recollects about people riding bicycles all the way from Camden to swim and socialize at Mountwell Pool. Unexpectedly, it was closed against protests in 1971. One day, Cassius Clay, who resided in an exclusive area in Cherry Hill and was more popularly known as Muhammed Ali, drove an Excalibur along Ellis Street and down Douglass Avenue, too. Mr. Earlie and other neighborhood children excitedly ran after him. Being a sports fan, having access to all the nearby fields as a child and essentially living adjacent to the playground figured favorably in his youth. It sparked dreams of becoming a professional football player. He had difficulty deciding what direction to pursue after graduation from high school. He wanted to go to college. However, his grades were lacking. Although he received a partial scholarship for football, Mr. Earlie could not envision garnering enough funds to cover college tuition. Admirably, he chose to enlist in the U.S. Army, despite this being

a period that followed the conflict in Vietnam, the least popular war in American history. In the Army, he was a cook and enjoyed being stationed in Germany. Over the course of six years, Mr. Earlie and his fellow peers felt as though they were treated like cattle being carted around in cattle trucks. He wondered, “What did I get myself into”? When Mr. Earlie left the service, he became a chef on the burgeoning Atlantic City casino scene before moving out to California to hang steel. Demonstrating more versatility and a strong work ethic, he settled in Austin, Texas, for nine years, working for the capital newspaper for several of those years. Then, when working as a driver for Allied Van Lines wore him out, he returned to the East Coast where his mother was struggling with leukemia. Now, a retired steelworker, his time is consumed with house calls to catch up with friends, snowbirding to Florida, working out at the gym, and hanging out with his Yorkie, Zeke (named for the biblical prophet Ezekial). When the opportunity to inherit the family home arose, Mr. Earlie opted out. With the cost of living being high in Haddonfield, “staying just so I could say I live here” seemed unreasonable, he concludes. Mr. Earlie also admits he does not set aside enough time to come back to Haddonfield. This is partially because there are so few African Americans left from his youth with whom to visit. If Mr. Earlie has one wish for his hometown, it is for more Black families to move into Haddonfield. He contends: “Ignorance comes from not knowing.” If more people who are different engage instead of stereotyping people based on assumptions, things may be better. Gritty jobs aside, Mr. Earlie’s style is dapper. Perhaps this is a reflection of the era when he came of age. His Super Fly-ish attire, stingy brim Fedora, and tinted shades take onlookers back to the days when Brick’s “Dazz” blared in nightclubs and Stevie Wonder’s “I Wish” inspired. He graduated from HMHS in the Class of 1976, the year of the Bi-Centennial celebration of this nation. For many, it was a happier time.

FEBRUARY 7-13, 2024 — THE SUN SPECIAL SECTION

Sidney R. Hargro May 30, 1965

By Sophia Atkins “Don’t wait. You’re made the way you're supposed to (be). There’s so much that You’re supposed to do…with your authentic self . . . as the human that you were born to be, as opposed to the one that the world tells you you need to be,” Sidney R. Hargro emphatically insists when asked about something he wishes he knew sooner. Mr. Hargro grew up in Charlotte, NC in the late- 70s and early-80s. Recounting his childhood, he notes: “We grew up in a… predominantly Black community. (It was) also a predominately low-income community. So, I just remember being really close to my neighbors, very close to my friends, and not really knowing much about the world around me.” The world around him was festering with racism. There were instances when he experienced extreme racism and discrimination in both covert and overt forms. For instance, in elementary school, he was often labeled a slow-learner although, in reality, he was bright and simply bored by the material. It wasn’t until high school that Mr. Hargro found favor in teachers who helped him succeed: ”They decided on day one that they were going to take it upon themselves to believe in me until I could believe in myself…..Every day, they would tell me I was going to college, and I would look at them and say, ‘No, no one else in my college, my family did that. I'm not doing that.’ They won. I ended up going.” While Mr. Hargro was able to rise above the circumstances that permeated the community, this was not the case for most peers. Many friends ended up on a downward trajectory. By comparison, he considers his life a miracle. Now, an accomplished non-profit leader, Mr. Hargro laments: “We started at the same place…..We weren’t different. It just so happened that I had a slightly different pathway. I just had one or two more peo-

ple who cared about my future than they did… Otherwise, that same bored kid in elementary school could have ended up very differently because I just didn’t (seem to) fit in.” After high school, Mr. Hargro attended North Carolina A &T State University for undergraduate studies in mechanical engineering then went on to earn the master’s degree in engineering at Ohio State. After meeting his wife, they had a son and a daughter, who attended a Montessori school before moving to Haddonfield, NJ in 2009 and enrolling them in the public school system. Unlike most African-American families from past decades, the Hargros represent the newer generation in town. Some are bi-racial. They don’t live in or near “the Point.” They purchase homes in more affluent areas. Mr. Hargro and his wife liked the walkability the town offers. Additionally, they appreciated Haddonfield’s reputation for academic excellence. However, the downside was disconcerting. He observes, “At the time when we moved here, there might have been one or two kids of color (if any) at all in classrooms. And, maybe, not another child that was either Black or biracial in their class. So, literally, they were not in a scene where they saw themselves every day.” Making friends in a town with a small percentage of minorities is challenging. However, he explains, despite being unfamiliar with the small Black community within Haddonfield, his children still were able to find a sense of community in their friendships and extracurricular activities. “In their friend groups, they both had the value of having really, really close friends, and I mean close friends that stood up for them a number of times.” Once they were in high school, his children found comfort and shined in their own skin. His daughter even became student council president her senior year. She also led a fundraising

campaign for Black Lives Matter. Tearing up and emotionally describing once fearing his daughter, who was often self-doubting, could not receive the supports she would need to fulfill the potential he saw in her through Haddonfield’s public school system, Mr. Hargro delights in sharing details about the borough’s Martin Luther King essay contest that turned the tide. Students were required to write a composition about a family hero. She chose Mr. Hargro’s grandfather–a former sharecropper. “.....I witnessed transformation right in front of my eyes. And that's why it's emotional because it ties back to generations. It's not just her. It ties back to me. It ties back to my parents, who were born on sharecropper farms, who had white kids throwing

rocks at them.” The impact seeing individuals who look like ourselves has on self-validation and, ultimately, achievement is increasingly recognized. During Mr. Hargro’s youth, a popular song by Nina Simone, then Donny Hathaway, had an inspiring lyric: Young, gifted, and black Oh what a lovely precious dream To be young, gifted, and black Open your heart to what I mean In the whole world you know There’s a million boys and girls Who are young, gifted, and black And that’s a fact….. “I have great faith in the new generation of students that are coming through now. I am not worried about them at all. I really look at them just like I look at those seventeen, eighteen, and nineteen-year-olds who were civil rights leaders in the ‘60s. Like, they’re going to be fine….. It’s time for the adults to step up and really create the environment that can actually accelerate that.” As The Leaders Trust’s chief executive, Mr. Hargro counsels heads of community-based organizations in intentional capacity-building for social change. If Mr. Hargro didn’t work in philanthropy, he “would travel the world capturing beauty and stories through black and white photography.”

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THE SUN SPECIAL SECTION — FEBRUARY 7-13, 2024

Daniella McLaughlin

Rev. Gregory McMillan

May 10, 1979

By Abigail Frey and Amina Lewbart

By Lexi Gwaku

Daniella McLaughlin has “done wonderful things with life.” Surviving a childhood physical disability that left her unable to walk as well as five suicide attempts brought on by extreme feelings of isolation and, now, coaching others on how to tackle life’s challenges are among them. The youngest of four children, she had two older brothers and one older sister. Her second oldest brother actually named her as his namesake, but the eldest is deceased. She and her sister grew up in different households but they have a close relationship. Although she learned to take on adult responsibilities early, while growing up in Haddonfield, NJ Ms. McLaughlin found many ways to expand beyond her strict religious upbringing. Like creating works of art and Girl Scouting, cheerleading was a large part of her youth.

During grade school, because she couldn’t participate in cheerleading, she would walk between her house and the football field to watch her friends cheer. Ms. McLaughlin enjoyed being around kids her own age, although it was a rare occurrence for her: “I was a pastor’s daughter, so I was always at church, always at my grandmom’s, always at the Mother of the see MCLAUGHLIN, page 9

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Rev. Gregory McMillan, a fourth generation Haddonfield native, graduated from Haddonfield Memorial High School in 1986. His roots here span back to his great-grandfather, who migrated from an unknown area in North Carolina and worked as a chauffeur for Lane of Acres residents in 1910. From a lineage of hardworking individuals, his family has been entrenched in the community, with his grandmother doing laundry for locals, his grandfather working as a Teamster, and his father working for the Hiram Walker Distillery, Inc.--maker of the popular Canadian Club Whisky. His father worked a second job, second job at Sears in the Deptford Mall— first in the paint department and, ultimately, retired from the automotive department as a salesman, to keep a roof over his family’s head while affording luxuries like private schooling for his daughter. His mother, who always affirmed her love for her children no matter what anyone said, taught them the value of learning about African-American history and heritage. Growing up on Douglass Avenue, Rev. McMillan’s childhood was filled with camaraderie, “We all played with each other and hung out, particularly during the summertime,” he fondly recalls, painting a picture of their close-knit community. Summers were spent outdoors, surrounded by friends from various parts of Haddonfield. The sense of community was evident in how they signaled meal times by ringing a cowbell at the Ryan family’s house. The reverend’s interest in community leadership was sparked early in adulthood by interactions with former Haddonfield mayor Jack Tarditi, whom he considers a mentor, connecting him with the Junior Commissioners youth leadership program as well as the Boy Scouts. Subsequently, he joined various committees, fostering a

sense of responsibility towards his community. Rev. MacMillan recalls frequently stopping by the mayor’s office when inequities between his part of town and the rest of Haddonfield were noticed. Mayor Tarditi became a second father figure to him. His pastor, Rev. Dr. J.B. Dix, also played a significant mentoring role; he even lent him his car for a driving test. When reflecting on his youth, the reverend’s connection to the elderly stands out. He routinely engaged longtime residents; taking in the Brewers’ stories, assisting Miss Hilda with her lawn care, and spending time with the Woodsons, who were employed at Campbell’s Soup in Camden. Fondness for senior citizens continued into adulthood. He also joined the Haddonfield Democratic Club, the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee, and the Breakfast Rotary Club. This penchant for public service led Rev. McMillan to consider running for commissioner; however, his read on what it takes to succeed in the political arena was not in alignment with his personal values. Rev. McMillan’s journey has taken him through roles in the health department at the county and state level, nonprofit leadership, and ultimately, into ministry. Currently, he is a pastor for the American Baptist Church of New Jersey in Trenton and a chaplain for a hospice organization. His favorite book is The Notebook, as he explains, “It relates well with who I am and what I do…..” Rev. McMillan’s focus on com-

munity care and service continues, as demonstrated through his fundraising for scholarships for his alma mater’s drama club. While attending high school, the drama club was at the center of his life: “I was in (it) all four years of my high school experience. In every fall play. I was in every musical. And I was in every winter one-act when they still did them.” He contends, “it helps me to do what I do on an everyday basis.” N o t u n l i ke m a n y A fr i can-American youth, however, Rev. McMillan faced what some may consider extreme challenges, like overcoming racial stereotypes. He remembers incidents when local police officers or guidance counselors treated him unfairly. One counselor told him, “Oh, don’t apply to those colleges. You probably won’t get in. So, because of that, I was determined.” Some wounds remain, but he has been able to convert others into strengths. “When I hear the sirens of a police car, it just sends chills through my body.” He remains motivated to make a difference and enhance the lives of people around him. Studies have long-covered the impact of discriminatory behavior on African-Americans; young men in particular. According to National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and recent news reports, suicide is the new epidemic plaguing Black youth. While the majority of Haddonfield’s African-American families with deep roots have moved on, Rev. McMillan’s stayed. After his father’s passing in 2000, he took care of his mother until her passing in 2011. Although he moved out-of-town for a period in the 1990s, his decision to return was influenced by his desire for a quality education for his children. Once his youngest child graduates, he plans to move west, following in the footsteps of his siblings and other relatives. His older brother moved to New Mexico, his sister to Arizona, and extended family see MCMILLAN, page 9

FEBRUARY 7-13, 2024 — THE SUN SPECIAL SECTION

Audury Dicks Moore August 6, 1952

By Catherine McCarron and Jonathan McLaughlin-Durham Around the time when Elvis aged other family members to Presley became an “internation- follow her path. Mrs. Moore’s paral sensation,” the Polio Epidemic ents heeded the call and moved killed more than 3,000, and Ralph to the Haddonfield area, as well, Ellison’s powerful novel Invisi- to the mostly Black section of ble Man won the National Book Cherry Hill called Batesville. Award, Audury Dicks Moore was It was a short walk away from born. As a teenager, she was in downtown Haddonfield and some the first class to graduate from of Mrs. Moore’s favorite spots. Cherry Hill East High School. The Since her aunt lived on Potter year was 1974 and “Cherry Hill Street in Haddonfield, she frequently spent time with her couswas rapidly growing.” Mrs. Moore’s aunt migrated ins there. Specifically, Mrs. Moore from Aiken, SC to Haddonfield, NJ fondly recalls the summers in in the 1940s. She found work in Haddonfield. She would walk to a home on Chews Landing Road; the Little League baseball fields this area was populated by some for snow cones and watch a game. of the town’s most affluent resi- She would also jump rope and go dents. to Mountwell Pool, which ignited Back in the day, many home- a love for water that still inspires owners developed deep personal her vacation choices. “Everyone relationships with their helpers; loved Mountwell Pool. We could in this instance, Mrs. Moore’s walk there. Our parents would aunt remained a domestic work- pick us up, usually, and it was just er to the Cooper_Sun_Newspaper_Primary_Care_Final.pdf family until her retire- great.” 1 1/29/24 3:39 PM ment. Her great- aunt encourHanging out at Woolworth’s

five-and-dime store on Kings Highway was a favorite pastime, too. She would get candy, ice cream, and soft drinks there. Additionally, she and her friends often went to Frank’s Deli for hoagies; it was located not far from the Acme supermarket for decades. Although socializing was high on her list of priorities, being part of the church community

was at the center of her life. She attended Mount Olivet Church, which her uncle J.B. Dicks led and where she sang in the choir every Sunday. To her, Reverend Dicks was Uncle Jay. They were close and would talk with each other about anything. Mrs. Moore’s father’s brother “was almost like a second father to [her].” The brothers, who worked together at Sears Roebuck as well as at the church where her father was a deacon, were friends. Of their relationship, she professes, “So they were ‘brothers,’ and they were brothers. There was no way they were going to be separated.” For Mrs. Moore and her family, Sunday dinner “was more of an event . . . but of course, it was after church!” Her mother prepared large meals before and after church, and the family would gather for the meals. After

the dinners, her cousins would come over to play. Ultimately, they would gather around the TV, “And it was always a sad thing when they were leaving. They wanted to stay and watch Lassie, and it was just like the greatest.” Historical events in her childhood and teenage years were centered around the Civil Rights Movement, as it was nearing its end. She recalls being frightened as a young child by the assassinations of leaders who were taking progressive measures to improve society. Among them were: the non-violent protest leader Martin Luther King, Jr., our youngest and first Catholic president John F. Kennedy and his brother U.S. Attorney General Robert Kennedy. TV programs were routinely interrupted for news reports. These news flashes were followed by musical intersee MOORE, page 11

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THE SUN SPECIAL SECTION — FEBRUARY 7-13, 2024

Dean R. Polk

Russell Solomon Purnell

July 20, 1968

By Chloe Weston and Anna Poacelli “I want to say . . . I am very happy with the life I’ve lived . . . [a] charmed life,” muses Dean R. Polk, a lifelong Haddonfield, NJ resident and Haddonfield Memorial High School Class of 1987 graduate. Polk’s family has strong ties to this historic borough, covering six generations. “We are definitely related to the Arthurs that came through Snow Hill or Lawnside, and we’ve been here definitely before the turn of the century. The 1800s.” Like his mother, Mr. Polk’s grandmother and her two brothers were born and raised in the house their parents built on the corner of Douglass and E. Park Avenues from the ground up. It is also where the majority of his childhood was lived. Growing up there, Mr. Polk was surrounded by friends. Some are still close friends. Back in the day, when the traffic flow was slow on his No Outlet street, children played there until the streetlights came on. On the other side of town, he forged lasting friendships with the Gallos, the Eyleses, the Delducas, the Nevellings, and the Smiths. Most families in the Douglass Avenue area were Black, but Mr. Polk didn’t consider this unusual. He had a normal childhood filled with school, friends, and sports. For a portion of his childhood, Mr. Polk lived with his mother, two brothers, and four sisters in a modern housing area with split-level homes on Ellis Street. However, when he was twelve, he returned to live with his grandmother. A schoolteacher in Camden, she became his major role model as well as a community resource. “A lot of what I remember learning about the world actually came from her. She was an incredible influence in my life.” Additionally, she is a crucial link in his connection to the Arthur legacy. According to historic accounts, along with the Stills, four young Arthur siblings were among the earliest settlers of Snow Hill (now Lawnside, NJ). In the 1840s, they fled slavery on the shores of east-

ern Maryland. Their destination: Haddonfield, where help awaited from the Quakers who were an integral part of New Jersey’s Underground Railroad. Their local importance is such that, for decades, thousands have turned out to celebrate Arthur Family Day. Having the courage to choose freedom says a lot about the stock from which Mr. Polk comes. The youngest son in a family of seven siblings, along with his brothers and sisters, Mr. Polk was educated through Haddonfield’s K-12 public school system from start to finish. At Haddonfield Memorial High School, he played baseball, basketball, and football and became the first African-American to hold the position of junior class president. Football was his true passion. He played for eight years before making the varsity team in his sophomore year of high school, one of his proudest achievements. Reminiscing on double sessions of football practice in the summer punctuated by a swim in a friend’s pool, Mr. Polk reflects, “We had boundless energy; there was nothing that we couldn’t do.” When he tells people about his hometown, Mr. Polk often encounters looks of surprise as well as disparaging comments. Recently, while working in Camden, he discovered “people really are shocked (to learn) that I come from Haddonfield; and many (don’t) have any idea that there are Black people there.” Even though many do not know of this community’s presence, he recalls the neighbors were lively and supportive in town. Mr. Polk

November 20, 1951

remarks, “If something came up where I needed assistance, then I could go across the street to my neighbor's house or down the street to another neighbor’s house.” This close-knit community, unfortunately, could not stop him from encountering some disappointment from other aspects of his life in town. For example, as a student-athlete, Mr. Polk received his coaches’ help with the recruitment process for college football. However, they only targeted a predominantly Black college that seemed to have no commonalities with him other than his race, suggesting to him that they believed he “couldn’t make it in any other situation.” Independently choosing to attend Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ–which was about one-quarter African American by his estimate–Mr. Polk studied organic chemistry and music. Along the way, he played in the Calamus Root classic rock band, gigging in bars and clubs up and down the East Coast. During high school, he co-founded the Paisley Muffin band with classmates. Through these experiences, he developed a knack for working overnight, interacting with people from various walks of life, and strengthening his creativity. The unlikely pragmatic application of these skills is reflected in his making a living in national security operations administration, working into the wee hours of the night and most holidays for more than fifteen years. The Camden School District has been among the beneficiaries of his work. Being born when space exploration was a national priority, Mr. Polk developed a fascination for science fiction. Like the young boy who befriends a gentle alien in “E.T.--The Extraterrestrial,” Mr. Polk’s boy-next-door charm is heartening. He could have made it onto the concert scene or into the professional football leagues, but the unassuming course close to his roots is a better choice for him. He practices a simple philosophy: “Just be kind to each other, you know? Try to help your brother or sister.”

By Phoebe Rynkar “It was sometimes difficult” growing up in Haddonfield, NJ recalls Russell Solomon Purnell. Born to his later-estranged parents–a nurse and a veteran-turned-police officer–Mr. Purnell resided in an apartment house on E. Park Avenue until he was 15. One adversarial incident he vividly remembers from this period occurred while completing a routine chore. As the young Mr. Purnell lugged his wagon full of clothing to the local laundromat, a group he refers to as European-American juveniles hurled eggs at him and called him the n-word. Additionally, during a Boy Scout Jamboree camping trip, “at the nightly camp fire a white boy scout yelled I’m glad we don’t have any Niggers here tonight,” he recalls. Unfortunately, facing discriminatory situations like this was not uncommon for him, but he just “had to deal with it.” However, to this day, Mr. Purnell maintains a positive outlook on life, explaining he does not “want to dwell on all this… [negativity].” When—along with his mother and younger sister—Mr. Purnell moved across the country and relocated to Seattle, WA following his graduation from junior high school, Mr. Purnell says “he fit right in.” He attended Garfield High School in a white Seattle and went on to Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA. Mr. Purnell enjoys the slower-paced West Coast lifestyle; especially, how everything doesn’t feel like a race the way it does in the East. Upon moving, he was pleasantly surprised to find strangers would simply approach him just to strike up a friendly conversation. Now, he lives a comfortable and fulfilling life with his wife in the Northwest. They have a blended family with one son each from prior relationships. Mr. Purnell takes pride in his work. He performs life-saving

tasks in more fields than one. A network engineer and desktop support specialist for a hospital, he responded to another calling and simultaneously took on another career. This second career stems from an unexpected encounter in his childhood. During a particularly snowy winter, Mr. Purnell spotted a man going down a small hill on skis. Having never seen this before, he was fascinated and asked the man what he was doing. Right then and there, he discovered what would become a significant part of his life’s work. For more than 30 years, Mr. Purnell has been a mountaintop rescuer and ski patroller. He worked for fifteen years as a helicopter ski guide as well as a guide trainer, and led bike tours in the Canadian Rockies. This work is so notable; it has been captured in a public television program celebrating “Men of the Mountain.” Because skiing opportunities are limited for African-Americans, he has made changing this a mission. The high cost of skiing creates enormous barriers between many Black youth and the slopes. Considering himself as extremely fortunate to have the opportunities he does and inspired by the desire to provide these privileges to others, prior to his retirement, Mr. Purnell was able to secure and allocate funds towards a project that allows inner-city youth to travel to mountains, learn about skiing, and enjoy the freedom it brings. Even though his familial roots date back to the early-1900s and

continued from page 6 Church’s house.” She was a caretaker for elderly relatives and a frequent fixture–singing, ushering, and carrying out other duties–in her dad’s church, too. By high school, Ms. McLaughlin made the varsity squad, earned a varsity letter every year, and became the Haddonfield Memorial High School’s mascot. Being one of a group of students who piloted the HMHS dance program is also a source of pride. Despite securing roles on popular teams, Ms. McLaughlin did not escape prejudice. She is one of three McLaughlins to receive most of their education through Haddonfield’s public schools and, sadly, all three of them have been called racial slurs. For her, this started as early as elementary school. She recalls playing on the Central School playground one day and being called a name that “wasn’t pleasant and that I never heard at home, but I knew it enough to know that it wasn’t something anyone should call anyone or me in particular. And that wasn’t nice at all.” Years later, that same girl who had called her the name apologized. Ms. McLaughlin acknowledges that this kind of growth doesn’t happen with everyone. Nowadays, her appreciation plays out with inspirational podcasts and motivational speaking engagements. Some relationships were more impactful than others. For instance, the Girl Scout troop leader of her youth became her labor coach in young adulthood. However, Ms. McLaughlin desperately struggled with her studies and wishes she had received the help she needed academically and socially as a child. Her challenges were severe enough in middle school that she had to leave for a while. Despite all of this, she graduated in the class of 1998 and enrolled in Indiana University of Pennsylvania. There, she made new connections. However, in college, she was often ridiculed for the way she spoke and behaviors that weren’t common among the urban-bred co-eds with whom she became acquainted: “‘Oh you talk white,’ ‘Oh, you sound white,’ I’m like, I can’t win,” Ms. McLaughlin

sighs. Lacking sufficient preparation in mathematics and science, with assistance from Indiana University, Ms. McLaughlin enrolled in Camden County College’s Early Childhood Education program and later earned a Group Teacher Certification from Kean College. One of her favorite memories is of the day she registered to vote in the lunchroom at HMHS. Inspired by her father who had been instrumental in facilitating large-scale voter registration in the South during the Civil Rights Era, Ms. McLaughlin relishes her voting ID card. Ms. McLaughlin and her mother still visit the church that was established by her father. She returned to her childhood home and later had a son. He is on-track to graduate from HMHS, too. In reflecting on how much the town has changed she notes, “There were a few Black families that lived around here that are not there anymore, and the loss of that community has been hard.” This motivational speaker and a published author takes pride in knowing her history and sharing African-American history with her son. Her current favorite song by Kierra Sheared- Kelly “Something Has to Break,” expresses her belief in the importance of acknowledging your struggles while never losing hope about where life can take us: “It’s only a season. Hang on in for you going through, yeah. But stay focused and never lose sight.” As a National Alliance on Mental Illness-In Our Own Voices Program Speaker, who leads suicide prevention walks, she uses words to reject negativity and exclaims, “sadness didn’t break me!” She clings to Amos 9:13: “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him who sows the seed.” Her entrepreneurial venture Blessed Daniella has been operating since 2020. She is in the process of building her platform to expand the business. Additionally, she has certifications in mental health first aid to benefit youth and adults as well as a certification in facilitator training.

Armstead: A true Haddonfield girl

McLaughlin: Coaching others

continued from page 4 Continental Societies Incorporated South Jersey Chapter and National Drifters Incorporated— Seaside Chapter., Ms. Armstead is doing her part to create opportunities for youth to achieve, senior citizens to sustain their dignity, and getting more citizens to vote through voter education

programs. By Ms. Armstead’s example, we can conclude: Everyone ought to have a place in a community on which they can depend. She encourages others to “follow your gut because, usually, your gut is the best way to go. And, then, you won’t (have to) hear yourself say, ‘I should’ve, could’ve, would’ve.’”

McMillan: Haddonfield native

continued from page 6 members who grew up in Philadelphia and, now, live mostly in Florida. Rev. McMillan is proud of buying a house here, raising and co-parenting children here, and improving the lives of others. While encouraged by efforts community members are taking to embrace diversity, he believes in the power of inclusivity and

would love to see more of a focus on African-American history taught to today’s generation: “We hear about Martin Luther King, we hear about Malcolm X, but we don’t hear (about) a lot of the others, who were before them or who came after them.” He longs for an environment in which everyone has an equal chance to participate and develop, regardless of his or her background.

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are multi-generational, Mr. Purnell has only returned to Haddonfield twice since relocating as a teenager. During his visit, Mr. Purnell was astounded by the condition of Camden: “There are still parts of Camden that look like they are bombedout Europe in the Second World War.” He is confused about how, even today, people are still suffering and living in conditions this horrible. However, “The City Invincible,” where the distinguished poet Walt Whitman resided for many years, is experiencing a renaissance. Over the last decade, the reduction in crime rates has received recognition from The White House and redevelopment is booming, as dozens of corporations have set-up operations there. Mr. Purnell’s mother is a Ransom; that’s her maiden name. Her family is considered a “Legacy Family,” with their home on Douglass Avenue adjacent to Centennial Field standing for roughly a century. One person from Mr. Purnell’s upbringing he will never forget is his grandfather–”PopPop,” a shoemaker and a post office worker. Mr. Purnell remarks: “when he [Pop-Pop] spoke, people would listen.” A highlight of his childhood was running home from school in order to play checkers and eat dinner with him. This professed outdoorsman and his wife make their home a short walk from the beach. Despite receiving two knee replacements, Mr. Purnell continues to ski. Additionally, he has taken on the role of “PopPop” for his grandson and is overjoyed that he will soon get to teach the little one the art of surfing on snow. Additionally, he has traveled throughout the Northwest United States and Canada. These days, he continues to do so. The science fiction novel “Stranger in a Strange Land” by Robert A. Heinlein is Mr. Purnell’s favorite work of literature. While Mr. Purnell may have felt like a “Stranger in a Strange Land” in Haddonfield, he found a place where he belongs. He continues to thrive.

FEBRUARY 7-13, 2024 — THE SUN SPECIAL SECTION

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THE SUN SPECIAL SECTION — FEBRUARY 7-13, 2024

Malcolm L. Talton July 27, 1954

By Tommy Grooket Anyone who knows anything about the legendary Freeman and Still abolitionist family legacies, knows something about Malcolm Talton. His ancestry is connected to both. And, he can lead a “Master Class” on overcoming adversity. This second youngest son in a family of seven children raised by a single mother, was born in Camden, NJ and moved to Haddonfield, NJ from Merchantville, NJ at a young age. While he dropped out before graduating with the Haddonfield Memorial High School Class of 1973, Mr. Talton went on to earn his General Education Diploma within months. After a period of working for the borough as well as in the private sector at Chrysler

Corporation’s fitness department and running his Muscular Technologies personal training business along with stints at U.S. Airways, New Jersey Youth Corps, and Huntsman Industries, ultimately, he earned an associate degree in Health/Exercise Science at Camden County College and graduated magna cum laude with

PRESERVE THE PRESERVING BLACK HADDONFIELD HISTORY PROJECT PLEASE SUPPORT OUR WORK. ORDER THE COLLECTOR’S EDITION PRESERVE: Narratives from Historic Haddonfield’s African-American Community @ $20.00 OR EARMARK DONATIONS TO HADDONFIELD EDUCATIONAL TRUST FOR THE PRESERVING BLACK HADDONFIELD HISTORY PROJECT c/o HADDONFIELD EDUCATIONAL TRUST PO BOX 178 HADDONFIELD, NJ 08033 FOR ONLINE CONTRIBUTIONS https://www.haddonfieldeducationaltrust.org/donate Celebrating our commonalities and building a more harmonious community.

a bachelor of arts from Rowan University. Troubles with the education system started early. As a child, he attended the “unofficially” segregated school in Homestead Elementary School in Merchantville–until it started busing students to Roosevelt Elementary School in Pennsauken, NJ. He persevered amidst protests by people who didn’t want him there. In the fifth grade, Mr. Talton’s family moved to his mother’s hometown–Haddonfield. “I think they’re more accepting of people’s differences than they were when I was growing up.” He grew up on Ellis Street, which is part of the tight-knit community where most AfricanAmericans resided. When Mr. Talton’s mother was growing up, his great-great aunt lived next door; her mother is credited with hosting the religious meetings there, which led to the founding of Mount Olivet Baptist Church. On the way to church, his grandfather, the preacher at Mount Olivet, would collect all of the grandchildren and take them with him. In Sunday, Mr. Talton did not hesitate to have his say. “Everyone thought I would grow up to be a preacher.” Instead, his cousin, Anthony Talton, took up the mantle and is the reverend there today. While the area where he grew up felt idyllic, the surrounding part of town reminded him of stories he heard about the Deep South. He recalls, the police and many store- owners didn’t seem to want Black youth around: “We had a lot of run-ins with the police not wanting us to walk uptown and things like that.” On several occasions during his teenage years, police officers would pickup Mr. Talton and his friends simply for walking down the street and put them in jail. His mom would walk to the station and tell them to let them out, and they would comply. During his junior high school years, when Mr. Talton was enrolled in an integrated seventh grade, discrimination didn’t stop just because Black and white stu-

dents were in the same school. He recalls the day the social justice leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. died, a white student who was sitting behind him in class said, “Good riddance.” He never forgot that moment, the Civil Rights protests that followed, or the formation of the Black Panther Party. When his oldest brother came home from the Vietnam War, he shared how different his war experience had been by comparison to white soldiers. In addition to being sent to the firing line more often, they were relegated to socializing in a local watering hole off-base. Due to their shared understanding of oppression, some of the Black soldiers connected with the Vietcong. Mr. Talton followed historic events and learned about the work of important contemporary African-American activists such as Huey Newton, Angela Davis, and Soul on Ice author Eldridge Cleveland. He came to be regarded as a radical quasi-activist at a young age. HMHS’ U.S. History teacher, Mr. Kennedy, helped Mr. Talton see how to make a difference. He calls to mind one day, “[My teacher] was talking about the Revolutionary War, and I told him that the first person killed was a Black person. He told me it wasn’t….. Prove it.” Mr. Talton’s mom had bought a Black encyclopedia set for the family. Mr. Talton brought a volume into class. The teacher admitted his error, showing Mr. Talton and his classmates they could challenge people and no one has to accept the opinions of others simply because they are authority figures. He and the teacher often volleyed, debating historical facts and interpretations. He continued this through college and–to this day–is not reluctant to speak-up when someone doesn’t speak accurately or fairly about African-American history or people. Mr. Talton later became a health and physical education teacher at Middle Township in Cape May Courthouse, retiring after 14 years of service in 2021.

On off-hours, he was a football, strength and conditioning, track, and wrestling coach as well as a speed and agility instructor. “I still have students that contact me, now, if they need a reference or if they need information about . . . how to do certain things.” During his physical education classes, he would sometimes just talk to the students. He made Rap Sessions–where students acquired conflict resolution, critical thinking, and other core life skills–popular among students. At a time when our nation struggled with a childhood obesity epidemic, he also taught students the importance of physical activity. As a high school student, Mr. Talton participated in football, track, and wrestling and he aspired to become a professional athlete. This plan was quickly abandoned on account of frustration ode to what he considers unfair treatment of African-American athletes. Just as Mr.Talton imparted lessons upon his students, his grandfather impressed upon him the importance of following the golden rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Even though he’s faced discrimination in his own life, Mr. Talton believes we should live by this rule. Mr. Talton’s experience in Haddonfield has given him an “eclectic outlook on life.” Proud of his connections to prominent family members like the uncle–a former boxer turned state sports commissioner–who is affectionately known as Jersey Joe Walcott and the abolitionist activists Still Family, who worked alongside Harriet Tubman in forging the Underground Railroad stop at Croft Farms, he feels equipped to handle any situation; especially difficult times relating to his race. This is part of the Black Haddonfield history that elicits visits from prominent figures like comedian/activist Dick Gregory, the late-heavy weight boxing champion Muhammad Ali, and Martin Luther King, Jr. confidante Clarence Jones.

FEBRUARY 7-13, 2024 — THE SUN SPECIAL SECTION

Ronald S. Voughs March 29, 1945

By Hope Gallagher and Audrey Naticchia In a detailed depiction of a life marked by adversity and resilience, Ronald S. Voughs creates a tapestry of experiences growing up in Haddonfield and the Batesville neighborhood of Cherry Hill, NJ that shaped his strong family values and passion for cooking. The Voughs’ family history in Haddonfield runs deep, with roots tracing back to 1915. Born in Philadelphia, PA, Mr. Voughs was welcomed into the home of his grand-aunt and grand-uncle, Emma and Charles Hill, on Ellis Street and Lincoln Avenue in what was near the African-American section of Haddonfield called “the Point.” With pride, he speaks of the “family plot of corn, lima beans, string beans, black-eyed peas” shared with the community. They hunted and ate what they captured. “That was how you put food on the table, because you couldn’t always find meat,” Mr. Voughs explains. Unlike Lincoln and Douglass Avenues in the 1940s, Mr. Voughs recalls his home on Ells Street was little better than what he calls “slave quarters.” “No inside hot water, no inside plumbing, and outside toilets.” He started his schooling at Central School’s integrated kindergarten before advancing to Sharp Elementary School in Delaware Township. Through his father, a borough plumber, he adopted a strong work ethic early on and learned elements of the trade. His father also had a restaurant in Lawnside where Black folks from nearby cities, like Camden and Philadelphia, enjoyed soul food, dancing, and socializing. The need for places for Black people to gather was necessitated by the lasting impact of segregation, legal in New Jersey until 1947. In their roles as a housekeeper for Governor Alfred E. Driscoll and a chauffeur, Mr. Voughs’ great-grandparents laid the foundation for the upbringing of his grand aunts, creating a sense of continuity and belonging. Basic

etiquette and survival skills training had a place in the Voughs’ household, too. Later, after he became a medic in the U.S. Army at Camp Drum, early lessons on operating the potbelly coal stove allowed him to provide water to his troop and to earn the respect of his captain during hard times. Additionally, Mr. Voughs reflects: My dad taught me this important lesson: ‘If you see…if you’re arguing with a fool (and) someone sees you, they don’t know which of you is the fool. So, don’t argue.” While his father suspected the futility of arguing, through his grandmother, he learned knew when to put up a fight. When his grandmother needed quilt-making supplies, young Mr. Voughs would go downtown for ice cream, but Black kids weren’t allowed to sit at the counter at the 5 & 10 Cents Store, so he would take extra time to travel to the Sunray Drugstore where he could sit for as long as he wanted and get refills on ice cream and soda. When his grandmother learned about the 5 & 10 Cents Store’s policy, she organized a boycott. Noticing a decline in Black customers, the manager went to Mount Olivet Baptist Church to appeal to the pastor and discovered that if he wanted Black customers to resume shopping, he would have to change his discriminatory practices and hire Black employees. Incidents like this, which occurred around the time of the horrific murder of Emmett Till, were not isolated and left a lasting impression. Mr. Voughs recounts a shocking story in his young adulthood when he was arrested for questioning an officer in Spanish during a traffic stop. A verbal altercation escalated into a physical assault, which, ultimately, found Mr. Voughs arrested, surrounded by 23 police cars, and beaten. A visible scar remains on his scalp and Mr. Voughs admits thinking about the incident every time he combs his hair. Despite this, he feels lucky. “I was in jail, (but) people had gotten beaten up for a lot less than what I did. I could have been dead easily

under today’s standards; I would have been shot. I don’t know how many times.” Among the valuable life lessons Mr. Voughs emphasizes is the importance of adaptability: “You learn to live. You learn to adjust. You learn to adapt, and you learn to move on quickly.” When Mr. Voughs saw people pass by the corner of Ellis Street and Lincoln Avenue in fancy cars and suits, he envisioned that lifestyle for himself. However, in ninth grade, at Delaware Township High School, now Cherry Hill West, he was

struggling. “I lacked motivation,” he surmises. During a period of suspension, Mr. Voughs was assigned a course load that did not match his intellectual potential. When he confessed being underchallenged to a teacher, Mr. Zetty, he was transferred into the college prep curriculum, changing the course of his life. He went on to join the football, wrestling, and baseball teams, earning sixteen scholarships, and was too busy to be a troublemaker. His closest friends, from childhood to the present were all the kinds of gentleman-athletes he looked up to and strived to emulate. “Everybody was friends. There were no bad eggs.” After high school, he enrolled in Delaware State College, which later became Delaware State University. There, Mr. Voughs met his wife of 53 years. However, during the days of college and military service, he traveled around the South, where racism was more overt. Often, there were separate fountains for Blacks and whites.

“As long as you stayed in your lane, you were good to go,” he remarks. Working as an executive in the banking and insurance industries followed his military service. Eventually, culinary passion became a focal point in his life. From learning on a coal stove to becoming the head chef at Rutgers—The State University in Camden, he attributes his culinary skills to divine intervention—“I am a cook by the grace of God”— and the influence of his father and the Lawnside family restaurant. These forces manifested in a decades-long career. Customers still come back for bi- monthly catered soul food crafted with love. A significant portion of Mr. Voughs’ life has been devoted to the Church. He played guitar and sang in the choir, was a Sunday School teacher and became an ordained a deacon as well as chairman of the Kitchen Committee at Grace Temple Church in Lawnside, NJ.

Moore: Sang in the choir every Sunday continued from page 7 ludes. What happened to Lassie? Despite some of the tragedy unfolding in the world at-large, Mrs. Moore strived to make her father, a World War II veteran, proud; he was a positive influence on her. After spending endless hours during her childhood doing arts and crafts with close friends, she elected to attend Morgan State University in Baltimore and majored in Art Education; her closest childhood friend also majored in art. She chose an HBCU college because she had been in a predominantly white environment since the beginning of her life, and imagined the expanded cultural experience would be beneficial. She envisioned being around more people who look like her and growing her network of friends. During her college days, Mrs. Moore took a class at nearby Loyola

University and was offered a ceramics scholarship there. She remained a matriculating Morgan State student, earning the bachelor of science. After she graduated from college, she was an educator for thirty years in the Camden City and Lower Camden County School District(s). Aspiring to have impact, she recalls, “I love being in a school atmosphere. I love walking through the doors, hearing voices.” When reflecting on the most important achievements of her life, Mrs. Moore proudly asserts, “I’m a mother.” She has a daughter and a son as well as three grandchildren–two boys and a girl. She was enthusiastic about being “a sports mom.” Her son loved football and baseball, while her daughter excelled at track–enough to receive a full scholarship from Seton

Hall University. She instilled in them the belief that “hard work pays off.” Cherishing the time she spends with the grandchildren, Mrs. Moore is set on teaching them—like her children—that kindness matters. An avid reader, and fan of Langston Hughes’ poetry, she paraphrases, “In every race and in every country where he had been, most people were generally good.” Consequently, he had faith in people. She does, too. “We’re all humankind,” she exclaims. “The 23rd Psalm would be my favorite scripture. Plus, it just gives me strength, and I can repeat it to myself and know that things are going to be okay,” she declares. “I have a strong faith in God and religion. (It) doesn’t matter so much what faith. As far as I’m concerned, I’m accepting to all faiths. Stand tall in faith.”

THE SUN SPECIAL SECTION — FEBRUARY 7-13, 2024

Voorhees Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive At Lowe Dance Studio

July 8th-26th Dancers age 8-18 are welcome to attend

Placement class is held July 7th where students will be evaluated by our knowledgeable faculty Register today by visiting vbtnj.com or by emailing us at lowedancestudio@gmail.com Register by February 15th for a discounted price NM-00023721