(NEWARK, NJ) -- Girls; Live, Love, Laugh Inc. (GLLL), a nonprofit organization devoted to the promotion and support of inner-city girls, will visit historic Newark landmarks as part of its Black History Month educational programming. The tour is scheduled to begin at 10:00am on Saturday, February 5, 2022.
While a student attending Rutgers University, GLLL Founder Allison James-Frison, a Newark native was surprised to learn of all the historical milestones that took place in the city where she grew up. After class, she would share facts via social media, but ultimately her goal was to one day host guided tours to places where many residents visit unaware of the significance of the location.
“There is so much rich history to be proud of in Newark. George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and John F. Kennedy are only a few of a long list of US Presidents to have visited our city. And eight days before the assassination of Dr. King, the civil rights leader shook hands at Shabazz High School and Abyssinian Baptist Church,” said James Frison.
The Black History tour will stop at 10 locations including sites of the Newark Rebellion in 1967 when a black cab driver, was dragged out of his car and brutally beaten by police. His attackers then arrested him on charges of assault. News spread and Newark residents protested. The uprising and police violence lasted for six days, resulting in 26 deaths and thousands of injuries and arrests – overwhelmingly affecting Black residents.
Girls on the tour will receive an oral narrative of Newark’s past, present, and future. But unlike a history book, they will have the opportunity to walk the actual paved streets where history was made gaining a new perspective and appreciation for their neighborhood. This event is sponsored in part by Arts Target of Beta Alpha Omega of Beta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
“We understand and emphasize the importance of historical events that have directly impacted and continue to influence a young person’s thinking, self-awareness, and resilience,” said Samantha Dow-Hankerson, Beta Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
GLLL provides girls living in the inner city of Newark with educational and social mentorship. Participants are equipped with knowledge and skills to face and overcome any obstacles that would deter their growth into successful young women. Current programs include the Royal Readers Club, where girls meet at the local library to expand their literacy readiness. GLLL members also participate in community service activities and have access to free school uniforms, meals, and field trips sponsored by Jersey Cares, Newark community members, and other local agencies.
Community members interested in making a monetary donation can click here.
Black History Tour Locations:
1. Raymond Plaza West &, Market St, Newark, NJ
2. Krueger-Scott Mansion - 601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Newark, N
3. Clinton Memorial AME Zion Church - 151 Broadway, Newark, NJ
4. Greater Mount Moriah Baptist Church - 210 Clinton Avenue, Newark, NJ
5. Bethany Baptist Church - 275 West Market Street, Newark, NJ
6. Police Department-1st Precinct - 10 17th Ave, Newark, NJ
7. Chad School (Black Youth Organization (BYO)) - 78 Clinton Avenue, Newark, NJ
8. Malcolm X. Shabazz High School - 80 Johnson Ave, Newark, NJ
9. Newark City Hall - 920 Broad Street, Newark, NJ
10. New Hope Baptist Church - 106 Sussex Ave, Newark, NJ
Girls; Live, Love, Laugh, Inc. (GLLL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded on the philosophy that with the proper tools, resources, leadership, and love, girls living in the inner city of Newark can beat the odds. Formed in 2009, the organization implements a variety of programs and workshops for girls ages 6 to 16 that focus on leadership and career development, along with education, communications, health and wellness, bully prevention, time management, and civic engagement.
