Eloise Alma Flagg

Flagg was born as Eloise Alma Williams on September 16, 1918 in Virginia to Hannibal and Caroline Williams. She graduated Newark State College (since renamed as Kean University) with a Bachelor's, Montclair State University with a Master's, and Teachers College, Columbia University with a doctorate in education. In 1942 she married J. Thomas Flagg and in 1943 became one of sixteen black teachers employed by Newark. == Appointment as principal ==

There had been no African American principal in Newark since James M. Baxter who was principal of the "Colored School", and retired in 1909. In 1958-1959, exams were conducted for vacant vice principalship positions. Four African American teachers including Dr. Flagg protested the exams in a racial bias suit as having "prejudiced the rankings of Negro candidates". In 1963, a judge dismissed the case for "lack of probable cause". In 1964, Flagg was placed second on the list of principal candidates. She was appointed principal of Hawkins Street School becoming the first African American female principal. == Later life ==

In 1967, Flagg became assistant superintendent in charge of curriculum services for Newark. Flagg held the assistant superintendent position until she retired in 1983. She was active in the Newark Preservation and Landmarks Committee. In 1995, E. Alma Flagg Elementary School was named in her honor, and she was saluted in the House by Rep. Donald M. Payne. She died March 10, 2018. == References ==