This site recognizes the efforts of Eloise W. Samuels, Founder & CEO of the New Jersey Orators,Inc. Her dedication to youth and passion for researching and recognizing the value of history in educating our youth is represented throughout these pages.
New Jersey Orators is a non-profit youth organization that teaches the art of public speaking and reading literacy. Its vision is to address the educational needs of at-risk youth by providing quality supplemental education programs and leadership development opportunities.
This New Jersey Black Heritage Trail Marker nomination is just one of the many accomplishments that will be acknowledged here.
NJ Historical Commission
New Jersey Black Heritage Trail Marker Nomination “Booker & NAACP Desegregates Plainfield Schools”
May 2024 marked the 70th Anniversary of the landmark "Brown v Board of Education” Supreme Court case.
The National Association of Colored People (NAACP) is lauded for their role in providing successful legal guidance for winning the NJ Supreme Court Case of "Booker v Board of Education of City of Plainfield" leading to the desegregating of the Plainfield Public School District in 1965. Charles Booker Jr. , son of Charles H Booker Sr. and Anna Booker were the community advocates to the case.
NAACP dedicated three years from 1962 - 1965 to enact change in Plainfield's public policy to achieve desegregation of the schools. They used the Supreme Court "Brown v Board of Education of Topeka" Case for basis of their trial.
7/8/2025
Mrs. Eloise Wood Samuels
272 Westfield Avenue, 272 Westfield Avenue
Piscataway, New Jersey, 08854
Name of Historical Marker: Booker & NAACP Desegregates Plainfield Schools Application ID Number: 5570034
Dear Mrs. Eloise Wood Samuels,
Congratulations! The New Jersey Historical Commission’s (NJHC) Black Heritage Trail has completed its review of the second round of nominations, and we are pleased to inform you that your application has been approved.
In 2022, Governor Philip Murphy signed into law legislation that calls for NJHC to establish a Black Heritage Trail encompassing both public and private sites throughout the state https://nj.gov/state/historical/assets/pdf/nj-black-heritage-trail-legislation.pdf. The legislation is wide-ranging, indicating that NJHC “shall ensure that as many Black heritage sites in the State as practical are included in the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail.”
The final design of the marker, including the text describing the site and its significance, shall comport with the design as determined by NJHC. All paperwork must be completed prior to the fabrication of the marker. Your organization is responsible for facilitating the installation of the sign at the site. Please note that we are requiring all sites to host at least one annual Black history program that is free and open to the public.
Currently, NJHC will be responsible for the repair and replacement of all historical markers depending on the availability of State funds. NJHC will also feature and spotlight all approved nominations on the Commission’s website and newsletters regardless of whether the marker has been fabricated. Nominating agencies will be responsible for monitoring and advising on any changes or damages to the markers they nominated. Markers, whether on public or private property, may not be transported, altered, or removed without the written permission of NJHC.
NJHC is very pleased to have the opportunity to support your nomination and looks forward to its inclusion on the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail. We want to remind you to take a few minutes to contact Governor Philip Murphy, Lieutenant Governor Tahesha L. Way, and your legislators to thank them for their support
Page 1 of 2
Sincerely,
Sara R. Cureton
Executive Director
New Jersey Historical Commission
New Jersey Is An Equal Opportunity Employer
Plainfield Public Schools
Office of the Superintendent of Schools
Rashon K. Hasan, Ed. S., Superintendent of Schools 1200 Myrtle Avenue I Plainfield, NJ 07063
Phone: (908) 731-43351 Fax: 908-731-4336
MOVING PLAINFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS FORWARD Email: superintendent@pIainfieId.k12.nj.us
March 19, 2024
New Jersey Black Heritage Trail New Jersey Historical Commission
P.O. Box 305
Trenton, New Jersey 08625
Attn: Noelle Lorraine Williams, Director, African American History Program
Re: New Jersey Orators, Inc. Letter of Support - New Jersey Historical Commission
Dear Noelle,
As the Superintendent of the Plainfield Public Schools, I am tasked with not only offering leadership, fostering innovation, managing operations, and providing support across the district, schools, and departments, but also with the crucial mandate of guaranteeing that every student in the Plainfield community receives equitable access to high quality education.
New Jersey Orators, Inc., is a nonprofit youth organization that teaches public speaking and reading literacy for at risks youth from 7 to 18 years of age. Both our school district and the New Jersey Orators organization have similar visions for the youth of New Jersey, but specifically the youth in Plainfield. That vision is to address the educational needs of at-risk youth by providing quality supplemental education programs and leadership development opportunities.
With that in mind, we agree with the nomination of the NAACP for their role in providing legal guidance for the NJ Supreme Court Case of "Booker v Board of Education of City of Plainfield" leading to the desegregating of the Plainfield Public School District in 1965. NAACP dedicated three years from 1962 - 1965 to enact change in Plainfield's public policy to achieve desegregation of the schools. They used the Supreme Court "Brown v Board of Education of Topeka" Case for basis of their trial.
This May 2024 marks the 70th Anniversary of "Brown v Board of Education. " Students from Plainfield School District and the New Jersey Orators' Plainfield Chapter will benefit from participating in the celebration and educational workshops in recognition of this landmark historical decision.
Should you have any questions or need additional information, feel free to contact me at 908-731-4335.
Sincerely,
Rashon K. Ha , Ed. S
Superintendent of Plainfield Public Schools
Superintendent of Schools Rashon K. Hasan, Ed. S.
Board of Education Commissioners
Hanae M. Wyatt, President I Victor L. Webb, Jr., Vice President
Eric J. Andrews I Azim A. Gray I Pat Hembree I Terence J. Johnson I Sincere Malone I ShonTé Smith I Sarah B. Virgo