By Dhiren Shah
On March 6, 1966, the first “Crispus Attucks Day Parade,” (named in recognition and honor of the historic African American who was the first to die at the Boston Massacre in 1770), was held in the City of Newark, New Jersey. According to Parade founder, John Thomas, the idea of the first parade evolved while he was teaching history at Central High School, Newark. Students were discussing how various ethnic groups in the United States celebrated their heritage. After reviewing St. Patrick’s Day (Irish Americans), Columbus Day (Italian Americans), Pulaski Day (Polish Americans), and Dekalb Day (German Americans), one of Mr. Thomas’s students remarked, “Mr. T., we don’t have a day!
For over 50 years, the African American Heritage Statewide Parade has galvanized thousands of participants, marchers, students and spectators to line Broad Street in Newark, New Jersey to celebrate and to make certain that the glorious heritage and contributions of Africans and African American people are not forgotten. The name of the Parade has been changed several times; in 1970, it became “The Attucks-King Parade,” to honor Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. In 1979, it became “The Black Heritage Day Parade,” with varying themes focused on remaining cognizant of the many evolutionary social concerns of the day, but also committed to preserving the traditions of past parades.
Thomas was a longtime member of the Democratic Committee of Essex County. He served as the Statewide Deputy Director of Constituent Services and Deputy Campaign Manager for United State Senator Frank Lautenberg.
On December 6, 1926, John Arthur Thomas was born in the city of Newark, New Jersey. He lived a great life while serving the African American Community and left this world on September 1, 2020 at the age of 93. He served in the Unites States Army and was honorably discharged in 1946. After his return, he enrolled in Rutgers University and got his Bachelor’s degree in 1950. He then worked with the Newark Board of Education as a teacher and he was the seventh African American teacher in the city of Newark.
In 1952, John Arthur Thomas married the love of his life, Elizabeth Lee Nowlin. In 2013, after 61 years of marriage, the royal couple proved only death could separate John the King from Elizabeth his queen. Their union was blessed by the birth of two daughters, Patricia and Pamela.
John counted his grandchildren as a blessing to his life, and passes on a legacy of service to his triplet granddaughters, Sarah, Patricia, and Victoria; and to his two grandsons, Jacques and Giovanni; and two goddaughters Angel Hicks and Maria Johnson. Thomas’ life, service, and contributions will be remembered by many who benefited from his efforts.
Charles Hall, the current President of African American Heritage Parades Organization, said that he will honor John Thomas in the next Statewide African American Parade in Newark, New Jersey, Memorial Day weekend in 2021.
