Teaneck Renames Street To Honor Black Activist Theodora Lacey

TEANECK, NJ — In recognition of her racial and social justice advocacy throughout the state and decades of service to the citizens of Teaneck, the Township Council has renamed a portion of Broad Street after Theodora Lacey, a resolution adopted by the council on June 28 said.

At 6 p.m. on Monday, the township unveiled the new street name to honor her contributions; the name change will be effective 90 days, the resolution said.

"The street dedication was a wonderful event that provided us the privilege of honoring Ms. Theodora Lacey for her tireless advocacy against racism of all forms and for justice for all," Councilwoman Gervonn Romney Rice said. "The community as well as the county owe her a debt of gratitude for her role in branding the diversity that we so proudly proclaim."

A 60-year resident of Teaneck and retired science teacher in Teaneck public schools, Lacey helped organize the Montgomery bus boycott, advocate for fair housing, and push to integrate New Jersey's public schools, most notably in Teaneck, whose school board was the first in the country in 1964 to voluntarily integrate its schools.

"Lacey's contributions to Teaneck and the nation in bringing people together has served as a role model to generations. Teaneck is honored to be able to recognize one of its own," council member Mayor James Dunleavy said.

Passing the renaming request on to the council were young children from the Bergen-Passaic chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Rice said.

"While we still have work to do addressing inequities and inclusion, the engagement of the youth and all the supporters that came out embody the legacy of Mrs. Lacey, which gives us hope for a bright future," Rice said.

The resolution comes two years after the school board voted to rename Eugene Field School on Merrison Street to Theodora Smiley Lacey School, making Lacey the only Black woman to have a school named after her in the district. The portion of Broad Street that was renamed houses the school.