Montclair mourns death of local NAACP president, Albert Pelham – NorthJersey.com
Albert Pelham, president of the Montclair NAACP, is being mourned after he died on Thursday.
A passionate advocate for civil rights, Pelham was a Montclair native and also served as the president of the Montclair African American Heritage Foundation.
The Montclair Township Council offered condolences to Pelham’s family and friends, stating he would leave behind “an incredible legacy and void to fill.”
“Pelham was a part of my life since I was 7-years-old playing basketball at Glenfield Park,” said Fourth Ward Councilor David Cummings. “He was an inspiration, a source of support, and a straight shooter who helped thousands of people. We will never be able to replace him, but we must do all we can to keep his spirit and legacy alive.”
Pelham was a 1968 graduate of Montclair High School and graduated from Bloomfield College, according to a statement released by the township council. His community leadership and dedication to helping others was shown through his work with two local nonprofit organizations, the State Parent Advocacy Network and the Montclair Neighborhood Development Corporation.
“Pelham’s mission in life was to empower families and inform and involve professionals and other individuals in the healthy development and educational rights of children,” the statement from the township said.
Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo said Pelham’s death was a great loss to the community and extended his condolences to his family.
“Al was deeply engaged in the township and County he loved and was a welcoming presence at Essex County Glenfield Park,” DiVincenzo said. “It was our honor to recognize him and the Montclair NAACP in 2019.”
Check back for more on this developing story.
Kaitlyn Kanzler covers Essex County for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: kanzler@northjersey.com
Twitter: @KaitlynKanzler8