Fanwood proclaims Black History Month; Social Justice Matters highlights Cramer Manor’s listing on state trail

The Fanwood Borough Council opened its Feb. 18 meeting by proclaiming Black History Month and presenting the recognition to Social Justice Matters Incorporated. "My name is Tashira Wheeler, and I'm the president of Social Justice Matters Incorporated," Wheeler told the council, accepting the proclamation and outlining the group's work documenting Cramer Manor's history.

Wheeler said the Cramer Manor project includes interviews with longtime residents and a short film and that the neighborhood — described in the presentation as a historically Black section of Fanwood centered near McGinn School and Kramer Manor Park — was recently added to the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail. "You have a gem right here in the midst of your borough," Wheeler said, urging ongoing attention to the area's history and the organization's online materials.

Mayor/meeting leader and council members thanked SJM for the work. Council members noted they will include the proclamation in the minutes and encouraged residents to consult SJM's website for archival materials.

The presentation emphasized capturing oral histories while older residents are still able to share them. Wheeler named local contributors and said SJM’s site hosts the film and transcripts so residents can learn about and preserve the neighborhood's history.

The council took no formal vote related to the Cramer Manor designation; the presentation and proclamation were ceremonial and entered into the meeting record. The meeting then proceeded to routine business and the consent agenda.