Title
Dept/ Agency: Offices of Municipal Council/City Clerk
Action: ( ) Ratifying (X) Authorizing ( ) Amending
Type of Service: Ceremonial Street Designation
Honoree: Carolyn Bertha Woolfork Thompson-Wallace
Date(s): Thursday August 14, 2025
Official Street Name(s): South 12th Street and Woodland Avenue
Ceremonial Intersection Name: "Carolyn Bertha Woolfork Thompson-Wallace Plz"
Sponsor: Council Member Patrick O. Council
Additional Information:
body
WHEREAS, Ordinance 6PSF-f, adopted on May 20, 2015, authorizes the designation of an intersection, etc., for honorary and ceremonial purposes; and
WHEREAS, Carolyn Bertha Woolfork Thompson-Wallace, nationally known and recognized as one of the leading authorities on youth development and job training, established Newark's International Youth Organization (I.Y.O.), over 50 years ago in partnership with her late husband James Wallace; and
WHEREAS, over the fifty years, James and Carolyn, not only trained thousands of at-risk young people, leading into meaningful jobs and careers in the construction industry, but also taught life-skills, work-ethic and positive decision-making for thousands of others, who can acclaim their successes to IYO; and
WHEREAS, throughout those years, Carolyn, James and IYO, received numerous awards and accolades, including a widely acclaimed segment on the television program CBS "60 Minutes", touting the success of IYO and its selfless power couple serving inner-city youths; and
WHEREAS, while she served as a mother figure for those young people seeking guidance, love and nurturing, her no-nonsense, tough love was never too far when needed; and
WHEREAS, together, the contributions of the late James and Carolyn Wallace to the Newark community is immeasurable and worthy of recognition.
NOW, THEREFORE...
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