Ninety-seven years ago, on April 14, 1928, Montclair became the site of a bold act of resistance. Miss Laura Lewis, a Black woman, was arrested for refusing to vacate a seat she had rightfully taken at the Clairidge Theatre at 486 Bloomfield Avenue. Her defiance against racial discrimination sparked a broader fight for justice within the community.
“The Afro-American Newspaper” reported on the incident in an article titled “Fight Jim Crow in Montclair Theatre.” The arrest of Lewis prompted swift action from the local NAACP, which demanded that town commissioners address the injustice.
At the time, Montclair was home to a Black population of approximately 5,000 residents. The article noted, “Montclair has a colored population of 5,000 and has heretofore been free of segregation of all kinds.” Yet Lewis’s arrest underscored the persistence of discrimination, even in a community that prided itself on inclusivity.
The Clairidge, where this pivotal moment unfolded, remains a landmark of Montclair’s history. Located inside the historic Hinck Building, it was built in 1921 by esteemed theatre architect William Lehmann. It featured both silent films and live vaudeville shows when it opened.
This Day in History in Montclair series is a collaboration between the Montclair History Center and Montclair Local.
“Montclair has a colored population of 5,000 and has heretofore been free of segregation of all kinds.”
Was Montclair’s “colored population” really that large 1927? Lol. Can’t read the Clairidge marquee in photo, but wondering if it was promoting “The Jazz Singer” starring Al Jolson performing in black face, also released in 1927. Wouldn’t that be an irony.
I opened the full image in a new tab, and I was able to see the marquee. It promoted a 1925 film called The Only Thing with Eleanor Boardman.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Only_Thing
I believe historian Frank Godlewski would be able to corroborate the population figures. I lived in Montclair in the early 1980s, and I do recall learning then that there was a large Black population in Montclair.
The 5,000 figure seems about right which puts it in range of 12% of total. Since the topic lately has been over how Montclair has/has not changed, I offer the following from 2000 to 2023:
Montclair’s total population has been essentially flat – increasing only by 800 to 39,873. Yes, we have not grown as the current narrative would have us believe. The population aged 60 & older has increased 40%. We are a lot older!
The White (single race) population is unchanged.
However, the Black population (single race) which peaked in 2000 at 12,231 (31% of ttl) has decreased by 40% (18% of ttl)!
This decrease has been offset by the increase of both other single- & those identifying as multi-race minorities.
Our racial distribution vs Township average is significantly unbalanced in 9 of our 12 Census Tracts.
kolsiewicz – Thanks for the info. Not familiar with the film, but I used to buy my cigars at the time at store on corner. 😃