Newark ‘Shero’ Is Changing Future For City’s Young Women

NEWARK, NJ — She overcame domestic violence, child sexual abuse and homelessness. Now, Allison James is vowing to make a difference in the lives of Newark’s young women and give them a chance to “live, love and laugh.”

Recently, Mayor Ras Baraka appointed James to the Commission on the Status Of Women, a global intergovernmental body dedicated to the promotion of gender equality. It’s the latest feather in the cap for James, the beloved founder of nonprofit Girls; Live, Love, Laugh Inc. (GLLL), a group dedicated to empowering local youth by giving them a safe haven where they can express themselves.

The nonprofit’s mission is near and dear to James’ heart, who is described by her supporters as a true “shero” of the Brick City.

While growing up in poverty in the Stella Wright Housing Projects of Newark, James’ father was murdered in a violent stabbing attack, leaving her mother to raise eight children on her own. But instead of letting those traumas and adversities define her, James used them as inspiration to fuel her drive for a better life.

After creating GLLL in 2009, James used the nonprofit as a platform to work with underprivileged girls around Newark, giving them an outlet to let their inner talents shine and benefit from positive role models such as former First Lady Michelle Obama.

• See related article: Michelle Obama Visits Newark, Inspires Middle School Girls
• See related article: Newark Group Has Helped Girls 'Live, Love, Laugh' For 10 Years

The married mother of one has been making her city proud ever since. Last year, Mayor Baraka declared Sept. 14 as Allison James Day in Newark, writing that she was an “integral part of the work to move Newark forward.”

Glancing at her resume, it’s not hard to see the reason why:

• Recipient of the Community Service Award by Senator Ronald Rice, the Vashti School of Future Leaders 2019 Humanitarian Award, The Central High School Association Award of Merit for Mentorship and Community Service, Newark Circle of Sisters “Women of Fire” Honoree, North Jersey Bennett College Alumnae Association as a “Black Girl with Magic” Recipient, Newark Mentor Movement “Making Moves for Newark’s Future” Honoree, Prudential Center’s “Newark Cornerstone” Finalist Honoree and the “LeadHER Leadership” award
• Member of the Essex County Council for Young Children and Newark’s United Parks As One
• Developed weekly mentoring workshops and community-based initiatives, including the annual “Girls Matter Walk”
• Has spoken at correctional institutions and colleges and universities
• Deaconess at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church (serves as Outreach Affairs Liaison, Women’s Ministry, Missionary Ministry and on the Church Finance team)

Recently, James earned a boost from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation President’s Grant Fund of the Princeton Area Community Foundation, netting a $12,500 grant to help carry out the work of GLLL.

The funds will be a big help when it comes to making a better life for the young women of Newark, she said.

“Giving back to the city means a lot to me,” James said. “When some people think of Newark, they think it’s a bad place to live. But Newark is a beautiful city.”

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