Shirley Green
Preserving the history, sustaining the future of NJâs first planned African American community
Shirley is the curator of the foundationâs museum, located in Cape May County, that chronicles the history of NJâs first planned African American community. She has led countywide preservation efforts, especially of African American and slave cemeteries and is dedicated to showcasing Whitesboroâs unique history, which stretches back to the late 1800s. In 2023, the Whitesboro Historic Preservation Project was created to preserve Whitesboroâs legacy and future and unify the community in the pursuit of self-reliance and good self-governance.
Emily Dempsey
Raising awareness about Cape Mayâs African American history
A lifelong resident of West Cape May, Emily is committed to preserving oral histories, documents, schools and churches through the Center for Community Arts. This multicultural education organization offers arts and humanities programs that foster creativity, community building, and appreciation for the rich diversity of our world. Emily is also on the board of the Harriet Tubman Museum of New Jersey, which memorializes Cape May as a stop on the Underground Railroad.
Estelle Goldsmith
Expanding arts and culture in Middlesex County
Estelle wanted to bring the arts and culture typically found in cities into her suburban community. She founded and led multiple cultural organizations including the East Brunswick Museum, Historical Society and Historic District. The EBAC inspires participation in and appreciation of the arts by fostering, recommending, and sponsoring varied cultural and educational functions in East Brunswick that are inclusive, accessible, and inspiring.
Baye Adolfo-Wilson
Transforming a Newark community through arts and culture
Baye is a community organizer, urban developer, lawyer, sports team owner, and founder of Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District (LPCCD), which revitalized Newarkâs Lincoln Park/Coast area. LPCCD transformed blighted lots into an urban eco-village and arts and cultural district with affordable housing and mixed-use developments, urban agriculture, music festivals, historic restoration, and workforce development projects.
