Colored Voters' Association of Bergen County

The Colored Voters Association of Bergen County was a countywide African American civic and political organization that served as an organized voice for Black residents in the early twentieth century. It united Black voters from municipalities across Bergen County to assert their rights as full citizens and to demand equal treatment within public institutions. The association consistently grounded its work in the language of law, loyalty, and citizenship, emphasizing that African Americans were entitled to the same protections and opportunities guaranteed to all residents of New Jersey.

The organization maintained a clear leadership structure headed by Dr. W. F. Willoughby, who served as president, with Charles B. Hinton as corresponding secretary and T. B. James as chairman of the executive committee. These leaders were joined by a network of respected local figures across the county, including professionals such as Dr. Edgar Askew of Hackensack, who played an important role in communication and negotiations with county officials. Together, this leadership helped coordinate political activity among Black communities in towns such as Hackensack, Englewood, Garfield, Lodi, Wallington, Rutherford, Ridgewood, Closter, and Westwood.

Politically, the Colored Voters Association functioned as an organized voting bloc aligned with the Republican Party, representing Black Republican voters in every municipality in Bergen County. Under the leadership of Willoughby, Hinton, and James, the association endorsed candidates, mobilized voters, and used its collective influence to press elected officials for concrete commitments. It expected political leaders to honor promises made to Black voters, particularly regarding fair access to public employment and representation within county government.

The association was also prepared to challenge racial discrimination directly. When public institutions excluded Black residents or treated them unequally, the organization convened meetings, adopted formal resolutions, and demanded public hearings and accountability from county authorities. Its leaders called for investigations into discriminatory practices and insisted that officials who violated the law or denied equal treatment be removed from their positions. This strategy reflected a deliberate reliance on legal process and public pressure rather than informal protest alone.

Beyond advocacy and electoral politics, the Colored Voters Association fostered community cohesion and political education through public events. It organized large gatherings and banquets that brought together Black residents, local leaders, candidates, and prominent speakers, reinforcing a shared sense of purpose and political awareness. Through disciplined leadership, coordinated countywide action, and sustained civic engagement, the Colored Voters Association of Bergen County played a significant role in advancing Black political power and civil rights in northern New Jersey well before the modern Civil Rights Movement.

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Bergen Record, October 26, 1920

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Public Domain