NEWARK – Pioneering educator E. Alma Williams-Flagg received honors at the city's annual Black History Month celebration Feb. 19 at City Hall Rotunda.
Mayor Cory A. Booker presented Flagg with a city proclamation and Assemblywoman L. Grace Spencer honored her with a resolution.
"I want to thank the mayor and all those for today," said Flagg. "It's important that we give all of our children - our next generation - the best education we can provide."
Flagg was appointed principal of the integrated Hawkins Street Elementary School in the Ironbound section of Newark in 1964, becoming the first female African-American principal. She later became the first African-American woman to become a Newark assistant superintendent, specializing in curriculum. The Roseville elementary school was built
and dedicated in her name in 1985 after she retired.
"We believe in honoring people while they're still vertical and can smell the roses," said Council President Mildred Crump. "And before they become horizontal."
Born in Virginia, Flagg and her family moved to Newark in the 1930's. She earned a teaching degree and began her classroom instruction in Washington D.C. before returning to Newark in 1942.
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