Fourteen people described as Montclair State black achievers were recognized for their contributions and achievements at a Feb. 26 ceremony, "Capturing the African Spirit Through Strength and Unity."

Sandra Lewis holds newspaper articles about her father, David, an original founder of the Communities in the Schools movement.

Sandra Lewis, director of the African-American Studies program, and Glenville Rawlings of the African-American Caucus welcomed attendees to the program that recognized students, faculty, staff and alumni for their contributions and accomplishments.

A new initiative, the Africa Project, also was introduced during the ceremony. The goal of the project is to encourage members of the campus community to take a deeper look into their African-American heritage. "Over the next year or so we hope to get campus community members involved in searching their heritage for achievers of African descent," Lewis said. "For example, some people may have had family members who were Buffalo soldiers, Tuskeegee Airmen or members of the Negro Baseball League."

The first person entered into the project was Lewis' father, David, who was one of the original founders of the CIS (Communities in Schools) movement. CIS, formerly called Cities in Schools, is the largest school dropout prevention and early intervention program in the nation.

"The program has made a difference in the lives of thousands of young people over the last 30 years," Lewis said. "It is likely that many of these young people would never have completed their education and become prepared to make valuable contributions to their communities and our society."

For more information about the Africa Project, call Lewis at 973-655-7378.

The 14 "achievers" honored at the ceremony: (click on the name for a brief statement about the person):
Dr. E. Alma Flagg
J. Thomas Flagg
Florence Holcombe Hampton
Katherine Bell Banks
Frances Thornhill Morris
Karen Love
Melba Moore
Phillip Thomas
Lorenzo Pace
Sharpe James
Cardell Cooper
Leonard Anton Wheeler
Dr. Daniel Williams
Dr. Jennifer Robinson

Dr. E. Alma Flagg received an M.A. from Montclair State in 1943 and then an Ed.D. from Columbia University Teachers College. She taught elementary school in Washington, D.C. and New Jersey. She was appointed the first African-American female principal in Newark in 1964, exactly 100 years after the first African-American male principal was appointed to the Newark "colored school." The E. Alma Flagg School in Newark is named in her honor. Dr. Flagg also is the author of three books of poetry, Twenty-one Poems, Feelings, Lines, Colors and Twenty More with Thought and Feeling.

J. Thomas Flagg, the late husband of E. Alma Flagg, earned a bachelor's degree in 1940 and master's degree in 1942 from Montclair State Teachers College. He taught junior high school and elementary school, and later became a professor at Montclair State, where he was involved with the track program. He was expected to secure a spot on the U.S. Olympic track team in the 1940s, but never had the opportunity to participate because the games were canceled.

Florence Holcombe Hampton is a 1928 graduate of Montclair State Normal School. A resident of Montclair, she is Montclair State's oldest living black alum. She taught elementary and special education, and served as a college adjunct professor. She also served as the alumni representative to the University's Board of Trustees.

Katherine Bell Banks is a 1934 Montclair State graduate. She was the first African-American in Montclair State Teacher's College residence halls in 1933. She taught at two historically black colleges in the south and at the high school level in New Jersey. She was a Fulbright exchange teacher in France.

Frances Thornhill Morris was the first black student in College High School. She graduated in from College High School in 1952 and earned a B.S. in 1981, and an M.B.A. in 1985. He became a financial analyst and tax office supervisor.

Karen Love earned a B.F.A. in 1994. She is founder and artistic director of Umoja Dance Company, which has performed in many venues including the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Aaron Davis Hall, and schools across the country.

Melba Moore, a member of the class of 1970, was the first African-Amercian to take the leading roles in "Hair" and "Les Miserables." She has numerous R&B hits and many of her songs have been recorded by other renowned artists. In 1998, Moore toured the United States in a one-woman autobiographic musical show, "Sweet Songs of the Soul." In 1990 Montclair State awarded Moore an honorary degree.

Phillip Thomas earned a B.A. in 1977. He is vice president for arts education at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.

Lorenzo Pace is a distinguished artist and director of the University Art Galleries. He created the sculpture chosen for placement at the African Burial Grounds in New York.

Sharpe James, is a 1958 graduate of the Panzer School. He was elected mayor of the city of Newark in 1986, and has served ever since. He is credited for revitalizing the nation's third oldest city. Montclair State awarded James an honorary degree in 1988.

Cardell Cooper, a 1974 graduate, served as mayor of East Orange. During his tenure, he established a strong sister city relationship with Ghana, West Africa.

Leonard Anton Wheeler, a member of the class of 2000, works in the mayor's office in the city of Newark. As a student, Wheeler was president of the Student Government Association and active in the Organization of Students for African Unity. He recently was featured in Ebony magazine as one of 30 promising African-American leaders.

Dr. Daniel Williams was a member of the Psychology Department for more than 20 years. During that time he wrote the University's first Affirmative Action document.

Dr. Jennifer Robinson is a professor in the College of Education and Human Services. She is the 2002 recipient of the AACTE Award for Best Practice in Support of Diversity in Teacher Education.

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