Willoughby Street

About the Book

This is the story of a black youngster growing up in a predominantly white and Jewish neighborhood in Newark, New Jersey. The author reminisces about events occurring from 1941, when he was three, to 1957, his senior year in high school. A coming-of-age narrative, this is also a tale of the racism of that time—a period shortly before the beginnings of major change in the following decade. The author’s adult inner circle taught him how they somehow accepted the injustices that were bestowed upon them and how to overcome them with pride and perseverance, as well as to try to understand the negative reasoning behind it all. Was it because people felt intimidated or jealous? His family gave him encouragement and the insight to learn from other people’s ignorance, not to rebel against it. Education was the key to life while growing up in the neighborhood then. Bragaw Avenue was accredited highly as a grammar school, and Weequahic High School was rated academically in the top ten throughout the country. Even the scholastically weak benefited from these schools.

About the Author

The aforementioned family members were the core of my existence. Inside my small circle of life were few but very close family, friends, and acquaintances, each giving insight on how the barriers of life might and would affect me due to my color and race. Growing up in the Weequahic section, I many times forgot what and who I was, and unfortunately transgressed into areas where I was rudely and painfully shoved back into reality. Being with people in the neighborhood I saw no difference between us; however, in their eyes, what did they see in me? Needless to say, color always made a difference. In retrospect, in spite of all the negative events, growing up in the Weequahic section was rewarding and beneficial in guiding me through life. My life after high school was a blessed one. United States Marine Corps Retailing industry for 37 years. Marriage to Roberta R. Richardson; raised our family in South Jersey, with two wonderful children, Grant Lonny, and Robin Renee (deceased). Three beautiful grandchildren: Michaela Rose, Grant Seng, and Simmaya Roberta. Remarried to my soul mate and bodyguard Donnamarie, with three stepchildren: Robert, Beth Lee, and Cheryl Lynn. Maintained a Airman’s Aviation Commercial Certificate; flew aircraft for 22 years. Currently retired in Southern Delaware.