Englewood, NJ — The Englewood Public School District, in partnership with the New Jersey Historical Commission, invites community members, families, alumni, and local leaders to attend a significant historical event recognizing a pivotal moment in the city’s civil rights history.
On Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 9:45am, a historical marker unveiling ceremony will take place at:
📍 Dr. Leroy McCloud Elementary School
325 Tenafly Road
Englewood, New Jersey
This ceremony commemorates the 1963 Cleveland Elementary School sit-ins, a series of student-led demonstrations that contributed to efforts toward the desegregation of schools in Englewood.
The event is part of the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail initiative, established through bipartisan legislation to recognize and preserve sites of African American history across the state. The Cleveland Elementary School site is among the officially recognized locations highlighting the courage, advocacy, and impact of local residents in advancing educational equity.
“This marker serves as a powerful reminder of the courage and determination demonstrated by students and community members during a pivotal moment in Englewood’s history,” said Dr. Marnie Hazelton, Superintendent of Englewood Public School District. “We are proud to honor the legacy of the 1963 Cleveland Elementary School sit-ins and remain committed to ensuring that our students understand the importance of equity, advocacy, and the role they play in shaping a more just future.”
The ceremony will include remarks on the historical significance of the sit-ins, and the unveiling of the official marker.
All community members are encouraged to attend and join in honoring this important chapter in Englewood’s history. If you are unable to attend in person, please join us via livestream using the link below:
🔗 https://tinyurl.com/NJ-BHT-Cleveland-Sitins
