90+ AND COUNTING: The Broadway family — John, center right, described by his son as “the strongest man you’ll ever meet,” — accept their family heirloom blanket at Sunday’s event to “Honor and Celebrate 90+ Years of Sharing Wisdom and Joy” sponsored by the Arts Council of Princeton and Witherspoon-Jackson Historical and Cultural Society. (Photo courtesy of the Arts Council of Princeton)

By Donald Gilpin

It was an afternoon of memories, nostalgia, storytelling, and celebration, of laughs and a few tears, and an abundance of wisdom and joy, as the Princeton African American community celebrated its neighborhood elders on Sunday, May 4 at the Arts Council of Princeton (ACP).

A crowd of about 150 overflowed the ACP’s Solley Theater to pay tribute to 14 individuals 90 years old or more, “incredible contributors to our community whose shoulders we all stand on,” as noted by Pastor Gregory Smith, who emceed the event.

Shirley Satterfield, president of the Witherspoon-Jackson Historical and Cultural Society, which sponsored the event, along with the ACP, introduced the proceedings.

“Welcome to the 90s — I know you can’t wait to get to your 90s,” said Satterfield, who was described by Smith as “an amazing caretaker of history for the neighborhood.”

Satterfield continued, “These are folks in their 90s who look like they’re in their 80s and 50s — wonderful people.

So that’s why I say, ‘Look for what you’re going to be when you get to 90 years old.’ God bless you all for being here.”

For each one of the honorees, a family member or friend delivered a short tribute —biographical and nostalgic, with recollections and stories from the past. Nine of the 14 honorees were present and sat in front of a screen with family photos projected on it at center stage during the commentary, after which the family gathered for the presentation of a family heirloom blanket inscribed with names of the recipient and family members.

The first honoree and the only one no longer living was Barbara Banks, who died last month at 94. Her granddaughter described her as the “soul of the home” at 191 John Street and “the heart behind every warm memory.” She added, “My Nana had a way of making everyone feel seen, special, and deeply loved, even on her busiest of days.”

Five generations of the family were present for the tribute to Hattie Smith Black, 91, as her granddaughter, with her own granddaughter beside her, described her grandmother as “one of a kind, selfless, giving, always there with a helping hand — she is my favorite lady.” Black worked at Princeton University for 55 years, the last 34 until she retired from the African American Studies Program.

John O. Broadway, the third honoree, was described by his youngest son Curt as “the strongest man you’ll ever meet, guaranteed,” and Curt went on in a poetic tribute to emphasize the “love, patience, and care” that characterize his 90-year-old father. “I’m the luckiest kid that ever lived,” said Curt.

Lois Craig, 97, was described by her niece as “sharp, witty, classy, and still possessing a strong attention to detail — to say that she is a walking, talking, wealth of knowledge would be a total understatement, and she plays a mean game of scrabble and mahjong.”

Barbara Flythe, an educator, consultant, and community justice activist, was unable to attend the event, but was described by a close friend: “She goes through life with gusto, embraces her age fully and enjoys life. Congratulations to Barbara.”

“A scholar, an educator, a performer, a director, an actor, and a wonderful woman,” is how Satterfield described Cecilia Hodges. Hodges was a professor of English at Princeton University and has performed professionally in many plays, TV shows, and movies. She has directed the Witherspoon Verse Speaking Choir for the past 39 years.

The next honorees were Audrey and James “Jimmy” Mack, “a dynamic duo couple,” according to Lance Liverman, who “show nothing but love wherever they go.” Liverman continued, “I’ve seen at first-hand what it means to truly love your community by watching how Audrey and Jimmy Mack have navigated their way with so many people.” Jimmy was a well-known local barber for more than 60 years. Audrey worked for various companies, and “her passion has been to give back to her community,” Liverman said.

Robert J. Rivers did not feel well and could not attend the event, but his granddaughter described him as “one of our hometown heroes, one of the first African Americans to graduate from Princeton University.” She described the challenging times of his childhood in Princeton in the 1930s and 40s. “In a time of profound social change he helped navigate our family through an evolving world with grace and courage. He showed me how to face the world with courage, how to treat others with respect, and how to find pride in where we come from.” Rivers is a surgeon and the first African American to serve on the Princeton University Board of Trustees.

Edna Adelaide Rozier, “a beloved member of the Witherspoon-Jackson community whose life continues to be a source of strength, love and inspiration,” according Princeton Councilman Leighton Newlin, who delivered a tribute to her on behalf of her daughter Kim Rozier, could not attend the event. Newlin said, “She dedicated her professional life to serving Princeton’s children, first as a teacher’s assistant and later in the Community Park School cafeteria, where her warm presence and kind heart touched countless young lives.”

Dorothy Stevens, described by Smith as “a special gem in this incredible community,” was a leader of the Young Peoples Division (YPD) of the AME Church, “a trailblazer.” Smith continued, “She instilled a lot of pride in the lives of young people, encouraging them to do their very best and to be Godly people, and I am one of the proud people that she ministered to over the years.”

Charles Streater, a Korean War veteran, now living on Clay Street, was described by his second oldest granddaughter. “Without him I don’t know where I would be,” she said. “He has always been there for us, no matter what it is. He has always had us and we’ve always had him.”

Tracy Woods, telling about her 96-year-old mother Johnetta Woods, who could not attend the event, mentioned her mother’s memories of watching movies at the Playhouse and Garden theaters, ice skating on Lake Carnegie, and sledding down John Street. One of her favorite childhood activities was riding the Dinky to Princeton Junction. “She is a witness to history, a lifelong testament to resilience, love, and endurance. We’re so lucky to celebrate her and the other elders here today.”

Marilyn Yates’ daughter described her mother as a “woman of resilience, dedication, and great strength — her qualities have fortified her to overcome adversity and discrimination.” Yates served the Princeton University English Department for 38 years. She raised six children, 14 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. “Today we honor you, Mom, for being the extraordinary woman and mother that God purposed you to be,” her daughter said.

Satterfield echoed those words on behalf of all 14 community elders. “We honor and praise and bless you all, and let’s keep this going,” she said. “This is our tradition.”