remembering an Icon
mR. JAMES E. STEVENSON
1938 - 2021
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. The true neighbor will risk his position, his prestige, and even his life for the welfare of others ……
-Dr. Martin Luther King
Over this past year, our country and its communities have been faced with the most devastating hardships and losses of this century. Today, our organization has suffered another tragic loss in the passing of one of its founders, James Stevenson. His death will leave a void that can never be filled. His vision, dedication and support to our mission has spanned more than 55 years.
His unique role as a community activist, champion of education, civic leader, coach, and neighborhood hero enabled him to draw attention and resolution to the plight of the most needy and underserved families within the Hamilton Township community. His special commitment was to enhance the opportunity for academic achievement and successful employment for African Americans in his community.
Yet, as the first ever elected African American to serve on the School Board of the Hamilton Township Public Schools, James Stevenson served with dignity and fairness as a champion of all students throughout his two terms of service. As a former coach, he knew the importance of leading a team! Our ETE team vows to continue to honor his legacy as we remember the lessons learned and modeled by our founder and coach, James Stevenson.
-Dr. Martin Luther King
Over this past year, our country and its communities have been faced with the most devastating hardships and losses of this century. Today, our organization has suffered another tragic loss in the passing of one of its founders, James Stevenson. His death will leave a void that can never be filled. His vision, dedication and support to our mission has spanned more than 55 years.
His unique role as a community activist, champion of education, civic leader, coach, and neighborhood hero enabled him to draw attention and resolution to the plight of the most needy and underserved families within the Hamilton Township community. His special commitment was to enhance the opportunity for academic achievement and successful employment for African Americans in his community.
Yet, as the first ever elected African American to serve on the School Board of the Hamilton Township Public Schools, James Stevenson served with dignity and fairness as a champion of all students throughout his two terms of service. As a former coach, he knew the importance of leading a team! Our ETE team vows to continue to honor his legacy as we remember the lessons learned and modeled by our founder and coach, James Stevenson.
James Stevenson is pictured with the young Muhammad Ali in July 1972 at the rally sponsored by the Sickle Cell Anemia Society of Central NJ. My mom, Margaret Patterson was founder and President. She secured Ali's support of the organization's mission and he agreed to appear at Hamilton High West where the rally was held. This was during the early days of Jim's "community activism". Jim supported the Society and helped coordinate the rally at Hamilton High West.
"It is hard to condense a lifetime of thoughts and experiences that I can recall in thinking of my dear friend, Jim Stevenson. We were neighbors. Our homes faced the other across the street on Berg Ave. Growing up, I cannot recall a day that passed, when the Stevenson family was not bustling with activity. James was always “engaged in conversations with neighbors or holding meetings on his patio, hosting picnics, rallies or just sitting on his front porch having conversations with anyone passing by. He continued to host these “porch conferences” when the weather allowed, up until his health began to fail. It was his way to “reach out and engage people” in conversation all the while getting to really know what they felt and with what they needed help!
He also had the unique ability to bring people together for a common mission. Simply stated, he was an organizer. It was this ability that “sparked the flame” that started the formation of our organization, Excellence Through Education of Hamilton Township. It was James Stevenson and Charles McKinzey who networked from school to school, all 23 to be exact, to bring the African American teaching staff and those in other positions, to discuss ways to better support our students of color. When ETE was formed, over 30 staff and support workers joined in our mission.
When we reflect on his traits that stand out the most, I agree with Chuck McKinzey who stated that James was a “fearless advocate”, an advisor and a strategist who loved his community. He never forgot the personal challenge given to him by the late school principal, George E. Wilson, to “reach back and help others in need”.
This past year has marked the loss of so many great “irreplaceable lives”. As African Americans at the national level, we have also experienced the loss of two great civil rights leaders in the death of John Lewis and Rev. C.T. Vivian. I place James Stevenson among that special group of leaders who would risk position, prestige and even his life for the welfare of others, as stated by Dr. King.
As an organization, and in honor of our heroes, we pledge to continue our mission through the forces of faith, determination, empathy, and love for one another. It is this strength of character that binds us as human beings as we travel the paths of our own destiny. In doing so, we will remember James Stevenson and those who helped to create a path of success for the students within our school community".
- Patricia C. Vincent
Founding Member ETE
He also had the unique ability to bring people together for a common mission. Simply stated, he was an organizer. It was this ability that “sparked the flame” that started the formation of our organization, Excellence Through Education of Hamilton Township. It was James Stevenson and Charles McKinzey who networked from school to school, all 23 to be exact, to bring the African American teaching staff and those in other positions, to discuss ways to better support our students of color. When ETE was formed, over 30 staff and support workers joined in our mission.
When we reflect on his traits that stand out the most, I agree with Chuck McKinzey who stated that James was a “fearless advocate”, an advisor and a strategist who loved his community. He never forgot the personal challenge given to him by the late school principal, George E. Wilson, to “reach back and help others in need”.
This past year has marked the loss of so many great “irreplaceable lives”. As African Americans at the national level, we have also experienced the loss of two great civil rights leaders in the death of John Lewis and Rev. C.T. Vivian. I place James Stevenson among that special group of leaders who would risk position, prestige and even his life for the welfare of others, as stated by Dr. King.
As an organization, and in honor of our heroes, we pledge to continue our mission through the forces of faith, determination, empathy, and love for one another. It is this strength of character that binds us as human beings as we travel the paths of our own destiny. In doing so, we will remember James Stevenson and those who helped to create a path of success for the students within our school community".
- Patricia C. Vincent
Founding Member ETE
"James Stevenson was an outstanding man! He was like the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. of Hamilton Township".
"One of his most famous statements were, "You need just 5 votes".
(holding up 5 fingers)
-Charles McKinzey
Founding Member ETE
"One of his most famous statements were, "You need just 5 votes".
(holding up 5 fingers)
-Charles McKinzey
Founding Member ETE
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"He will be sadly missed by those who loved him. He was a highly-respected man".
-Darlene Baker Mincy
Founding Member ETE
-Darlene Baker Mincy
Founding Member ETE
"James Stevenson was what I consider a small giant in a world where “small” individuals rarely rise to the level of “giants.” He was able to rise in a number of sports venues, industries, and political appointments. But I firmly believe his true niche was in his ability to educate and empower those who sought his knowledge in matters of personal and professional relevance. If there was a source of accreditation,surely, the James Stevenson University would have been responsible for the education of entire communities.
I can personally attest to spending literally hundreds of hours listening, learning, and exchanging opinions while seated at the foot of his doorstep. I can also attest to the number of individuals who routinely gathered there for what I would assume were some of the same conversations and enrichment. For so many years James Stevenson professed from a small chair, stationed on a small porch, in what many consider a small neighborhood. And while his stature may have been considered small, he was and will always be a giant in my life".
-James Walters
ETE Member & Family Friend
I can personally attest to spending literally hundreds of hours listening, learning, and exchanging opinions while seated at the foot of his doorstep. I can also attest to the number of individuals who routinely gathered there for what I would assume were some of the same conversations and enrichment. For so many years James Stevenson professed from a small chair, stationed on a small porch, in what many consider a small neighborhood. And while his stature may have been considered small, he was and will always be a giant in my life".
-James Walters
ETE Member & Family Friend
The Akan people of West Africa and the Ivory Coast take respect very seriously and are passionate about showing recognition to other members of the community.
The Adinkra African symbol of respect is illustrated by a crown.
Like the Queen Mekyia Wo who wears this symbol on her crown, James Stevenson had the innate ability to detect and feel good energy and great potential in others.
The skills in which James Stevenson employed and shared unselfishly, paved the path toward success for many in the Black community of Hamilton Township, New Jersey.
This man of great knowledge, compassion, and drive had a positive force that reverberated beyond just his neighborhood.
It was felt across the hearts and minds of all who knew him.
We are saddened by this loss and we mourn his passing, but we have gained a monumental legacy.
A legacy that will not be forgotten.
Rest in Peace & Power!
Respectfully Submitted
Dr. Charisse Smith
President
ETE - Excellence Through Education
The Adinkra African symbol of respect is illustrated by a crown.
Like the Queen Mekyia Wo who wears this symbol on her crown, James Stevenson had the innate ability to detect and feel good energy and great potential in others.
The skills in which James Stevenson employed and shared unselfishly, paved the path toward success for many in the Black community of Hamilton Township, New Jersey.
This man of great knowledge, compassion, and drive had a positive force that reverberated beyond just his neighborhood.
It was felt across the hearts and minds of all who knew him.
We are saddened by this loss and we mourn his passing, but we have gained a monumental legacy.
A legacy that will not be forgotten.
Rest in Peace & Power!
Respectfully Submitted
Dr. Charisse Smith
President
ETE - Excellence Through Education
