From inventors to artists, New Jersey has been home to many Black pioneers who have shaped history through their ingenuity, creativity, and commitment to equity. In honor of Black History Month, we reflect on the profound contributions Black individuals from New Jersey have made to society.
Gladys Barker Grauer – The “Mother of Newark Arts”
Gladys Barker Grauer, often called the “Mother of Newark Arts”, was a trailblazing artist, educator, and activist who helped cultivate a vibrant arts community in New Jersey.
Born in 1923 in Ohio, Grauer moved to Newark in 1951, where she established herself at a time when Black artists had few opportunities to showcase their work.
In 1972, she founded the AARD Studio Gallery in Newark’s South Ward, creating a safe space for marginalized artists to display their work. Through her bold, expressive canvases infused with cultural pride and social commentary, she used art as a tool for empowerment and activism. Her legacy continues to shape Newark’s thriving arts scene today.
Jessie Redmon Fauset – A Literary Voice of the Harlem Renaissance
A literary powerhouse with roots in Camden County, New Jersey, Jessie Redmon Fauset was a writer, editor, and a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance.
As the literary editor of The Crisis (the NAACP’s magazine) from 1919 to 1926, she played a pivotal role in uplifting Black voices in literature. Her own novels and poetry explored themes of racial identity and social equity, focusing on middle-class African-American experiences—a perspective rarely seen in literature at the time.
Beyond her own writing, Fauset mentored and championed emerging Black authors, leaving a lasting impact on American literature. Her legacy continues to inspire storytellers committed to diverse representation.
Lewis Howard Latimer – An Innovator Who Lit Up the World
Though born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, Lewis Howard Latimer had a strong connection to New Jersey through his work at Thomas Edison’s laboratory in the 1880s.
A brilliant inventor and the son of formerly enslaved parents, Latimer played a crucial role in developing long-lasting lightbulbs. While working at the Edison Electric Light Company in Newark, he patented a process for creating carbon filaments, making electric lighting more affordable and efficient for homes.
His contributions revolutionized the industry, proving that innovation thrives in diverse minds—a value that New Jersey continues to celebrate today.
John Stanard – A Kitchen Revolutionist
John Stanard, sometimes recorded as John Standard, was a Newark native whose inventions transformed kitchen technology.
In the late 19th century, he patented improvements to refrigerators and oil stoves, making food storage and preparation more efficient and accessible. Though his name may not be widely recognized, his groundbreaking designs laid the foundation for modern kitchen appliances.
Stanard’s legacy underscores the impact of diverse innovators in shaping everyday life, highlighting the importance of inclusion and recognition in the history of technological advancements.
Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future
Celebrating these remarkable individuals is not just about remembering history—it’s about recognizing the ongoing importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion today.
From Gladys Barker Grauer’s artistic activism to Lewis Howard Latimer’s electrical innovations, from Jessie Redmon Fauset’s literary influence to John Stanard’s household inventions—these pioneers represent the resilience and brilliance of Black ingenuity.
This Black History Month, take a moment to learn more about these extraordinary figures. Their achievements inspire us to build a more inclusive, equitable, and innovative future for generations to come.
