By: Richard L. Smith
On RLS Media's 17th day of honoring those who've made significant contributions to Black history in New Jersey, we spotlight a luminary whose legacy illuminates the fields of history and humanities—Mr. Clement Alexander Price.
In 1997, Rutgers University-Newark saw the birth of the Clement A. Price Institute on Ethnicity, Culture, and the Modern Experience, founded on the conviction that the arts and humanities hold a pivotal role in the rejuvenation of Greater Newark and beyond.
An esteemed American historian, Price served as the Board of Governors Distinguished Service Professor of History at Rutgers University-Newark.
His studies of the past not only shed light on contemporary social issues but also celebrated Newark's rich heritage and contributed to national conversations on ethnicity and culture.
Born in Washington, D.C., to James Leo Price, Sr., and Anna Christine (Spann) Price, Clement's journey was marked by academic excellence and a deep commitment to public service.
His remarkable career at Rutgers University-Newark began in 1969, following a pivotal student-led movement advocating for greater diversity and inclusion within the university.
Price's influence extended far beyond the classroom. He was a guiding force in the community, serving on numerous boards and committees dedicated to education, culture, and the arts.
His leadership roles included chairing the Newark Trust for Education and contributing to the vitality of institutions like the Newark Public Library and Saint Benedict's Preparatory School.
In honor of his enduring impact, Rutgers University established the Clement A. Price Chair in Public History and the Humanities, a testament to his legacy supported by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the generosity of countless donors.
This chair symbolizes Price's unwavering belief in the power of history and the humanities to foster understanding and progress.
Clement A. Price's passing on November 5, 2014, left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew him and on the communities he served.
Today, as we celebrate his contributions to Black history in New Jersey, we remember a scholar, mentor, and community leader whose life's work continues to inspire a brighter future for Newark and beyond.
INFORMATION & IMAGE CREDIT: Wikipedia, Rutgers writer Fernanda Fox Nixon
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