Eloise Alma Flagg facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eloise Alma Flagg
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Eloise Alma Williams
September 26, 1918 Virginia, U.S.
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| Died | March 18, 2018 (aged 99) Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
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| Occupation | School principal |
Eloise Alma Flagg (born September 26, 1918 – died March 18, 2018) was a very important leader in education. She made history as the first African American woman to become a school principal in Newark, New Jersey. She was also the first African American principal in a school that had students of all races in Newark. Today, a school in Newark, Alma Flagg Elementary School, is named to honor her amazing work.
Early Life and Education
Eloise Alma Williams was born on September 26, 1918, in Virginia. Her parents were Hannibal and Caroline Williams. She spent most of her life growing up in Newark, New Jersey.
Alma went to East Side High School and finished her studies in January 1935. She continued her education at Newark State College, which is now called Kean University. There, she earned her first degree. She then earned a master's degree from Montclair State University. Later, she received a doctorate in education from Teachers College, Columbia University.
In 1942, she married J. Thomas Flagg. By 1943, she became one of only sixteen Black teachers working in Newark schools.
Becoming a Principal
For many years, there had not been an African American principal in Newark since 1909. In the late 1950s, exams were held for new school leadership jobs. Dr. Flagg and three other African American teachers felt these exams were unfair. They believed the tests made it harder for Black candidates to get promoted.
Dr. Flagg wrote, "I believe that unfair treatment against Black people in promotions in the Newark school system has happened." She said this unfairness was still causing problems for them.
In 1963, Flagg was appointed as a vice principal at Garfield Elementary School. The next year, in 1964, she was placed second on the list of candidates for principal. She was then chosen to be the principal of Hawkins Street School. This made her the first African American woman to be a principal in Newark.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1967, Dr. Flagg took on an even bigger role. She became the assistant superintendent for curriculum services in Newark. This meant she helped decide what students would learn in schools.
Throughout her life, Dr. Flagg also enjoyed writing poetry. She published her own books of poems. She was also very active in her community. She held the assistant superintendent position until she retired in 1983.
Even after retiring, Dr. Flagg remained an important person in Newark. She created the E. Alma Flagg Scholarship Fund to help students. She was also involved with the Newark Preservation and Landmarks Committee. This group works to protect important buildings and places in the city.
In 1995, a school was named in her honor: E. Alma Flagg Elementary School. She was also recognized by Rep. Donald M. Payne in the House of Representatives. Eloise Alma Flagg passed away on March 18, 2018. Her legacy continues to inspire many.
