MOORESTOWN, NJ — Moorestown will celebrate a milestone in preserving its Black history this weekend.
The township will unveil a new sign at Yancy Adams Park, a pocket park that honors two people who helped break down racial barriers in the township: Roxanna Yancy and James Adams.
The unveiling is set for 2 p.m. Sunday at Yancy Adams Park (423-425 N Church St.).
Yancy Adams Park is located at the former site of the West End Community Center (WECC). From 1944-68, the center was a social and cultural hub for Moorestown’s segregated West End neighborhood, says the Historical Society of Moorestown.
Yancy taught at Moorestown’s School #7 for many years, retiring in 1933 after 35 years of teaching. She established Moorestown’s first kindergarten for Black children and helped establish the WECC.
Adams was the nation’s first Black Eagle Scout and a respected community leader who helped break down Moorestown’s racial barriers, according to the township. He was the WECC’s director for nearly 25 years.
“Mr. Adams was an influential mentor and role model for the youths who spent time at the Community Center and he fought every day to break down racial barriers in our town,” the township’s website says.
