Perth Amboy to Honor Trailblazing Black Pioneers Through Art
PERTH AMBOY, NJ – The Perth Amboy community is set to recognize a group of trailblazing Black residents whose achievements helped shape the city’s civic, cultural, and professional landscape.
The event, titled “Perth Amboy Celebrates First Black Pioneers of the City”, is an art gallery highlighting individuals who broke racial barriers in law enforcement, education, medicine, public service, athletics, and the arts.
The event will take place on Thursday, March 19, at the Gallery Center for the Arts, 339 Reade Street, Perth Amboy. The exhibit will run from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Curated by local artist Julisa Mujica, the exhibit is part of the City’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
“The idea for this exhibit came from wanting to celebrate Black History Month in a way that felt deeply connected to Perth Amboy. Instead of focusing only on nationally known figures, I wanted to honor influential African American individuals from our own city, people who have pioneered, contributed to the community, and made a lasting impact. From there, the concept developed into a portrait series where artists would interpret these important figures through their own artistic styles.”
Honorees Include
- Walter “Gibby” Gibson, Perth Amboy’s first Black police officer in 1947
- Dr. Herbert N. Richardson, hired in 1949 as a music teacher at Samuel E. Shull School and recognized as the city’s first Black teacher
- Morris Nanton, Perth Amboy-born musician and Juilliard Conservatory graduate who led the Morris Nanton Trio for more than five decades
- Austin Hubert “Cubie” Carty, a 1941 Perth Amboy High School graduate and the first African American inducted into the school’s National Honor Society
- Dr. James S. Wales Jr., a physician who practiced medicine in Perth Amboy for nearly four decades
- Mildred S. Scott, the first woman to serve as Middlesex County Sheriff and the first African American sheriff in New Jersey
- Bruce Taylor, standout athlete at Perth Amboy High School and Boston University, named Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1970 and selected to the Pro Bowl in 1972
- Brian Taylor, professional basketball player who competed in both the ABA and NBA
- Mary E. Johnson, nursing leader who began her career at Perth Amboy General Hospital
“This program will honor residents whose accomplishments marked firsts for the city and, in some cases, the state. As we celebrate 250 years as a nation, it is important to recognize these individuals who broke barriers and helped make our city, our state, and our country a place where anyone can succeed.”
Read more coverage on TAPinto:
Perth Amboy to Honor Trailblazing Black Pioneers Through Art