Tuesday, July 12, 2005

My Earliest Recollections of the Newark Projects

I can remember moving into the projects. I was about 3 1/2 years old. We lived on Belmont Avenue in Newark with my Grandparents prior to moving into the projects. My Grandmother we called her "Nana" was a superintindant for a large apartment building. She had an apartment in the basement. We lived in a back room that was part of the electrical utiltiy room in the rear of the basement near the garbage room. My father was not employed and my grandmother took us in until he found a job and a place to stay.

I remember my parents joyful state when they received a letter from the Newark housing authority stating that an apartment would be available for them. My mother was happy she said it was a new building with elevators and we, my brother and I would have our own room.

Our address was 65 17th Avenue apartment 4F.

Growing Up in the Projects

My parents were some of the first occupants of the Hayes Home Housing Projects located on 17th Avenue in Newark New Jersey. I witnessed first hand the 1967 Newark Riots from beginning to end.
I am nearly 50 years of age now and remember vividly those weeks of change for an entire community that would profoundly change its history.

It bothers me that there is very little mentioned about the riots. Many people died during that time of revolt. Was it all futile? What can future generations learn from Riots?

I would like to log what happend from my prospective only!
If you experienced the riots in any way feel free to comment!