African-American Princetonians Are Honored As 'Unsung Heroes'

Candace Braun

In recognition of Black History Month, 28 Princeton residents were recently honored by Princeton University's Community House through a booklet, Unsung Heroes, which outlines the community work of some of Princeton's African Americans, with photos, poems, and biographies.

Co-sponsored by the Princeton Public Library, the booklet honors African Americans "who in their own way have contributed vastly to the overall development and fiber of Princeton and the surrounding area through their profession, talent, or their everyday lives," said Marjorie Young, director of Community House.

Among the unsung heroes is William J. Skipwith, honored for his lifetime achievements as a devoted member of the Princeton community, as well as a member of the First Baptist Church for more than 70 years; he is currently the chairman of the deacon board, the highest lay position in the church.

Besides working as a mail carrier and special delivery messenger for 20 years, he has served as president of Princeton Young Achievers, and is a member of the Witherspoon/Jackson Neighborhood Association. Mr. Skipwith also served 20 years in the United States military, retiring as a major.

"It is the hope of the sponsors that these tributes will continue for many years to come," according to the booklet's introduction. "Ultimately, we hope by acknowledging and celebrating the life history of these individuals we can share in their legacy while building new dreams."

Four Princeton educators were also honored, including Ronald Celestin, a physical education teacher at Riverside Elementary School. Born in Haiti, Mr. Celestin came to Princeton as an adolescent, facing a language barrier and culture shock as he attended Princeton High School, to which he returned in 1986 as a teacher; he has since coached boys' soccer at PHS, and has been an assistant coach for Princeton University's women's soccer team since 1995.

Frances Craig was honored as a lifetime Princeton resident who has taught in Princeton public schools for more than 38 years. Robert Vivens, a history teacher at PHS, has coached almost every sport the school offers, including football, wrestling, field hockey, and even cheerleading.

Among the pastors honored were the Rev. Carlton E. Branscomb, the newly-appointed senior pastor of the First Baptist Church, and the Witherspoon Presbyterian Church's Rev. Muriel Burrows, who arrived in the United States as a political exile from Durban South Africa in 1982.

Community Service

Thirteen Princeton residents were honored for community service, including Penny Edwards-Carter, who was the first female and first African American to become Borough clerk in Princeton, and was employed by the Borough for 34 years before retiring.

Described as a "walking encyclopedia of community service," Fannie Floyd was honored for her many contributions to the Princeton community, which include being a member of the Princeton YWCA Board of Directors and the Board of Planned Parenthood.

Newly-elected Township Committeeman Lance Liverman was recognized for his lifelong dedication to his family, his work, and his town, and Shirley Ann Satterfield, a fourth-generation Princetonian, was honored for her many contributions to Princeton as a teacher and guidance counselor, as well as a member of numerous boards and committees since her retirement.

Grace Brown and Michael Yates, both late Princeton residents, were honored for their life achievements. Ms. Brown was a dedicated employee at the Nassau Club for 44 years, and Michael Yates was described by loved ones as the "gentle giant" in the family.

A love story is also told through the booklet, as it describes the marriage, divorce, and remarriage of Marilyn and Ronald Yates. Divorced in 1959 after a nine-year marriage, the two reunited in 1998, and together have raised eight children, and now have 15 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

Other recipients include Albert Hinds, Jacqui Swain, Rev. Vernard Leak, Rev. Jerry Foreman, and Noel and Paula Gordon for community service; Eric and Minnie Craig, Susie Johnson, John Broadway, Jacqui Swain, Anne Marie Joachim, and James and Sonja Pierce for life achievement; and Joyce Robinson for education.

Photos and biographies of all of the recipients will be on display in the foyer of the Princeton Public Library through the end of February.