The Montclair History Center, Friends of the Howe House and St. Mark's United Methodist Church are Grand Marshals
Written by Mark S. Porter
Angelica Diggs, Montclair History Center; Kimberly Latortue, Friends of the Howe House; Rev. Kay Dubuisson, St. Mark’s Montclair
Commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America, Montclair’s 2026 4th of July Parade was led by a trio of Grand Marshals, each of whom honored by NJ Black Heritage Trail designations.
The Montclair History Center, the Friends of the Howe House and St. Mark’s United Methodist Church were the parade’s honorees, whose representatives overcame the sweltering July heat to show their enthusiasm and commitment.
“These three organizations are central to the history and culture of Montclair,” Donato DiGeronimo, president of the Montclair Celebrates July 4th Committee, told Montclair Local. “Our community is proud that each has been named to the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail, and it is our privilege to honor their important contributions to understanding and celebrating the history of Montclair.”
Donato is also a trustee of the Montclair History Center.
“It was a hot day, but community excitement made the day special,” stated Montclair History Center Executive Director Angelica Diggs. “As a regular parade participant it was a different experience being in the front. There was a quiet and thoughtful perspective when leading a parade. A combination of anticipation and joy made this experience unlike the others.
“I was also so moved by so many people offering to give water to support the parade participants as they made their way through town. My favorite part though, was actually being able to watch the parade for the first time. I have never been able to attend and see all the floats go by since we are always in it,” Angelica recalled. “It was a new experience for me to enjoy the other community groups and music and be part of the cheering squad welcoming the community to the finish line.
“A congratulations and thank you to the Montclair Celebrates the 4th of July Committee for all their hard work on making this day possible for us.”
The NJ Black Heritage Trail and the Crane House and Historic YWCA
Montclair History Center Trustee April DiComo drafted Montclair History Center’s application for the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail with Angelica.
“I felt honored to ride in Montclair’s 4th of July Parade this year with friends and colleagues from our sister Black Heritage Trail sites in Montclair: the Howe House and St Mark's United Methodist Church,” April noted.
April stated she “feel(s) connected to the stories of the women of the Crane House and historic YWCA. The trail marker reminds us how important it is to commemorate people, places, and events related to Black history in our local community, and it promotes public engagement and education around local Black historical sites, which goes to our mission.”
According to Angelica, In 2022 a bipartisan bill signed into law the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail, calling for the New Jersey Historical Commission to establish a Black Heritage Trail across the state to promote the awareness and appreciation of Black history.
According to the commission, it supported the legislation to create the Black Heritage Trail “to promote awareness and appreciation of Black history, heritage, and culture” that will “highlight Black heritage sites through historical markers and a trail-like path that connects the stories of Black life and resiliency.”
Volunteers, Board of Trustees, and staff of the Montclair History Center
The Montclair YWCA that operated out of the Crane House and Historic YWCA historic site from 1920 to1965 was nominated to the NJ Black Heritage Trail in 2024.
“The Montclair YWCA was founded in 1912 by Alice Hooe Foster along with 16 other women representing Black churches in Montclair,” Angelica stated. “Established to serve and uplift Black women and girls during the 20th century, the Montclair YWCA provided a place of safety, refuge, and opportunity, encouraging women to take pride in their heritage, pursue education, and emerge as leaders within their communities.
“The commitment and service of the Montclair YWCA has shaped and supported this community during transformative eras of the Great Migration, integration, and the Civil Rights Movement. The legacy of the Montclair YWCA still lives on through many generations of women who lead this community today.”
Fronting the Parade as Grand Marshals
For MHC Museum Coordinator Agnes Liloia, the MHC being honored as a Grand Marshal for Montclair’s 2026 Independence Day Parade bore particular significance this year, in which the United States of America commemorates its 250th anniversary.
“I thought it was a really cool experience to be involved in this year’s parade, and I’m proud to be part of the Montclair History Center and to have contributed to what we are being acknowledged for this year,” Agnes noted.
“I was encouraged to see a parade commemorating Black history for the 250th, as it contrasted with the classic ideas of ‘Americana,’ and I think it was a valuable statement in today’s social and cultural climate.”
“In short,” observed MHC Collections Manager Nicholas Muller, “I found the parade to be a great experience! I really liked sharing floats with the Friends of the Howe House and parishioners of St. Mark’s because doing so showed that multiple organizations are involved in preserving Montclair's history.
“I was also pleasantly surprised to see one of our former interns spectating the parade, and at least one other person yelled, ‘Go Montclair History Center,’ as our float passed by them!,” Nicholas recalled. “The parade made me feel a really palpable connection to the township. Seeing the people whose history you're working to conserve can instill a strong sense of purpose in you, especially as a new MHC staff member!
“Also, throwing candy to kids was really fun too.”
The Grand Marshals Acknowledged
Nicole Gray, Friends of the Howe House; Angelica Diggs, Montclair History Center; Rev. Kay Dubuisson, St. Mark’s Montclair; April DiComo, Montclair History Center; Kimberly Latortue, Friends of the Howe House
“It is an honor for the Montclair History Center to be selected as a Grand Marshal alongside Friends of the Howe House and St. Mark's United Methodist Church commemorating 250 years of history and our organizations’ nominations to the state's Black Heritage Trail,” Angelica stated.
“Friends of the Howe House sustain and illuminate the story of James Howe, a formerly enslaved man who was freed in 1817,” Angelica stated. “The Howe House is a landmark of one of the oldest standing buildings owned by an African American.”
According to Angelica, St. Mark's United Methodist Church began in 1880 as “the first African-American church in Montclair. A longstanding community of faith and service led directly to the establishments of Black organizations in Montclair, including the Montclair YWCA where the Y’s founder Alice Hooe Foster was a member of St. Marks.
“As our organizations came together to celebrate a complex and evolving community history, it reminded me that the work of telling Montclair’s story is never finished,” Angela emphasized.
“Too often, pieces of history go untold. It is important for Montclair to see every part of its story represented, and the parade and celebration of the NJ Black Heritage Trail help make that possible.”
Participants in the Grand Marshal Celebration
Montclair History Center Executive Director Angelica Diggs; Collections Manager Nicholas Muller; Museum Coordinator Agnes Liloia; Education Manager Valerie Saporito; Staff Accountant Nesta Stephens; Board Trustees Liz Hynes, Helen Fallon, Davida Lindsay Harewood, who also represented St. Mark’s; Debra David, and April DiComo; and volunteers Gabe Carlin and Kate Hynes.
Friends of the Howe House
President Kimberly Latorute and Vice President Cathy Smith; Board Member and Township Councilmember Aminah Toler; Board Member Betty Holloway, who also represented St. Mark’s; Board Member Nicole Gray; Treasurer Geoff Rockhill, and volunteers.
St. Mark’s United Methodist Church
The Rev. Kay Dubuisson, member and historian Betty Holloway, Davida Lindsay Harewood, and volunteers.
Mark S. Porter is a trustee of the Montclair History Center.