by Shaniele Brown
South Jersey Information Equity Projet
In an era where history is often overlooked or erased, it remains crucial to cherish and celebrate our past, particularly Black history. On Friday, June 14, 2024, the Preserving Black Haddonfield Project committee hosted a Juneteenth tour dedicated to honoring Black Haddonfield’s rich heritage. Dignitaries, alongside local academic, civic, and philanthropic leaders, gathered to explore 12 hidden treasures referred to as “The Point.” The tour culminated in the unveiling of two historic markers: the Lincoln School for Coloreds, now Tarditi Commons—an affordable senior housing community—and Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, both approved by the borough’s Historic Preservation Commission. Furthermore, the committee marked the occasion with a groundbreaking ceremony at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church.
C. Adrienne Rhodes, The Preserving Black Haddonfield History Project Co-Founder, noted, “In a time when improving diversity, equity, and inclusion are national priorities, celebrating Haddonfield’s long-overlooked African-American community is in keeping with the tenor of our times as well as the values championed in the groundbreaking legislation enacted by Governor Phil Murphy on which the Black Heritage Trail is hinged.”
During the opening remarks, Haddonfield Mayor Colleen Bianco Bezich stated, “It is a time for us to honor resilience and strength… Let us recommit and strive to create a more inclusive community.”
The event continued with a special presentation. Dalin Hackney, aide to U.S. Representative Donald Norcross of New Jersey’s 1st Congressional District, presented a certificate to commemorate the occasion. The presentation marked the official ribbon cutting, symbolizing the recognition and celebration of this significant milestone.
As the participants journeyed through the community, they made stops at several significant sites, including Miss Ross Convenience Store, Douglass Avenue Public School #4 for Coloreds, Pray House, 164 Ellis Street, Mount Olivet Baptist Church & Parsonage, and Greater Mount Pisgah Church.
Malcolm Talton, Co-Founder of the Preserving Black Haddonfield Project, proudly recounts that his great-great-grandmother, Mary A. Rodney, was the pioneer of prayer meetings at the Prayer House, located at 164 Ellis Street. It was in her home in 1891 that Mt. Olivet Baptist Church was established. For Talton, the substantial efforts and advancements achieved through the project are crucial in creating a lasting legacy for the community.
“This is a multi-generational community, and it has no recorded history,” Talton said.
Linda Armstead, an attendee, spent her childhood within the walls of the very school her father had once attended during his youth: Douglass Avenue Public School #4 for Coloreds, a significant stop on the tour. Originally constructed in 1904, the school transformed in 1923, becoming a residential property. Reflecting on her unique upbringing, Linda shared, “My father was born in Haddonfield, he went to school in my house, his bedroom was his kindergarten classroom, growing up it was just a big house to me, I didn’t realize it was a colored school.”
In another facet of Haddonfields history, Alfred J. Dansbury Sr., a dedicated committee member of the Black Haddonfield History Preservation Project, fondly reminisced about his grandmother, Teressa Marvel Dansbury, who held the distinction of being the first black teacher in Haddonfield.
He remarked, “She tirelessly fought against discrimination and advocated for equality for African Americans across the board.”
This story was produced as part of the Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University’s South Jersey Information Equity Project fellowship and supported with funding from the Independence Public Media Foundation.
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