In addition to recognizing the past achievements of African-Americans this month, city officials and citizens gathered in the council chambers Wednesday to celebrate Jersey City’s status quo, paying tribute to the first African-American mayor of Jersey City: Mayor Glenn Cunningham.
Other prominent African-American politicians, like Council President L. Harvey Smith and Deputy Mayor Eugene Drayton, joined Cunningham at the front of the chambers, exemplifying the diverse composition of city government today. Coordinated by the Division of Cultural Affairs, the event blended speeches, songs, and an on-screen presentation that spotlighted African-American mayors throughout the nation. Each mayor was displayed with his population next to his city.
Also, the Afro-American Historical and Cultural Society Museum set up an exhibit highlighting professional, political and financial African-American contributions to Jersey City.
Stepping to the podium with a big smile, Cunningham, who is often characterized by his knowledge of history, began to deliver a lesson about milestones African-Americans reached in Jersey City over the years that made his election-day victory possible. “Nothing is given to us just because we deserve it,” Cunningham said. “We all have to stand on someone else’s shoulders.”
He spoke about George Harris, the first African-American member of the Jersey City Police Department in 1880. “250 angry people gathered around the police station to prevent him from going on patrol,” Cunningham said. “Today, Jimmy Carter is the director of the Police Department.” Carter, who was formerly a member of the Secret Service, is an African-American who grew up in Jersey City.
Citing the momentous incident when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus for a white customer, Cunningham said such simple actions took great courage. “Rosa Parks had the temerity and courage to stand up for all Americans.” To put her bold decision into perspective, Cunningham described his experience being refused service in a diner after he had just come out of the Marines. “I could have said something,” Cunningham said. “But I remember being afraid.”
Reflecting on the month’s celebration of African-American history, Cunningham said that it was necessary until it is adequately included under the heading of American history. “I’m looking forward to the day I could pick up a book on American history and see that it covers how every culture contributed,” Cunningham said. “If we don’t know what got us here then we’re doomed to fail.”
Some of this history was on display in City Hall’s rotunda gallery, put together by the Afro-American Historical and Cultural Society Museum. “It shows how far we’ve come from 1910 to the present day,” said Neal Brunson, museum director. He said that many citizens contributed to the small steps necessary to make the big stride in electing an African-American mayor. For instance, Dr. Paul Sinclair was one of the first African-American physicians at the Jersey City Medical Center. Building strong ties with the three-decade Mayor Frank Hague, Sinclair procured political opportunities for other African-Americans.
In 1974, Sinclair was named the medical director of the Medical Center. Brunson said that these faces of the past had the foresight to pursue political power despite the blatant opposition of their times. “They had to have a long vision,” Brunson said. “Not a short one.”
The exhibit will remain in the second-floor gallery of City Hall until the end of the month.
Celebrating MLK’s words
Earlier in the day, the Division of Cultural Affairs also sponsored the 7th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Oratory Contest. Students from sixth grade to eighth grade competed in the Council Chambers and younger students, grades third through fifth, competed at the Five Corners branch of the Jersey City Free Public Library.
Approximately 25 contestants in each group recited excerpts from King’s writings, including speeches, letters, and essays. Of course, the staple “I Have A Dream” speech took center stage, as many students drew oratory inspiration from the impact of the historic march on Washington. Even when successive students read the same words, however, the mannerisms, inflections, and forensic styles made each presentation unique and personal. Rafael Zaki, an eighth grader from Parish of the Resurrection, brought his innovative style to the contest by stepping outside of the podium and pacing back and forth while speaking to the audience.
The finals will be held Tuesday, Feb. 26 at City Hall. The finalists in the younger group include: Thomas Cruz from, P.S. 38; Nimi Dharitheesan, P.S. 30; Elizabeth Lai-San Ho, St. Aloysius Elementary; Brandon Spann, Golden Door Charter School; Giuliano Suarez, P.S. 30; and Stephanie Williams, P.S. 20.
In the older group, the finalists included Samara Henry, Joseph H. Brensinger School; Asha Herbert, P.S. 22; Anum Humayum, Parish of the Resurrection; Ja-Quan Miller, St. Aloysius Elementary; and Rafael Zaki, Parish of the Resurrection.