Westfield Inducts Civil Rights Activist Into Hall Of Fame

WESTFIELD, NJ — "Good trouble" were the words former U.S. Congressman John Lewis used to describe his actions during the civil rights struggle. These words are now inscribed under Charles R. Morrison's plaque at the Westfield Memorial Pool Complex.

This is a fitting title for Morrison, as his civil rights activism during the 1960's in Westfield led the mayor at the time to send him a telegram, urging him to "quit his disruptive behavior."

The Westfield Historical Society recently announced it is inducting Morrison into its Hall of Fame — a Committee of the Westfield Historical Society, which has named nine inductees for the 2022 Hall of Fame Class.

In addition to Morrison, inductees include: Clara “Chic” Bolger, Allen Chin, Samuel Downer Sr., Ralph Jones, James & Melba Nixon, Nancy Priest, Theodore K. Schlosberg and Mabel L. Sturgis with Helen French Welch.

Morrison's Civil Rights Activism

Morrison was known for leading marches in Westfield for civil rights in the 1960's, sometimes partnering with members of Temple Emanu-El.

He also urged the Westfield Board of Education to close schools to commemorate Martin Luther Kind Day. According to the Historical Society, Westfield was one of the first towns in Union County to do so.

Morrison even marched with Dr. King in "The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom" in August of 1963. This rally led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

In addition, Morrison mobilized the community to create the Westfield Civic Improvement Association. Under his leadership, the town abandoned plans to use a large field behind. N. Scotch Plains Avenue as a town dump and municipal area, and instead created Westfield Memorial Pool Complex where families enjoy recreational activities.

A plaque of Morrison is still hanging at the pool complex today.

Morrison's Background

Born in North Carolina on Oct. 26, 1920, Morrison moved with his two sisters and parents to Flint, Michigan where his mother's family lived. He was raised on a farm there during the Great Depression, according to the Historical Society.

Morrison enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II and attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer in the segregated U.S. Army.

He later attended North Carolina Centra University. Through an army friend, he met Shirley Bryan who he eventually married in 1949.

They remained married for nearly 70 years before Morrison's death in 2019. Shirley passed away in 2021, the Historical Society wrote.

Morrison had five children, all of whom have had success in business, medicine and education. The family lived in Westfield in their home on N. Scotch Plains Avenue.

The family also joined St. Luke AME Zion Church where Morrison served as chair of the trustee board and Sunday school superintendent.

Professionally, Morrison worked at Esso in Linden and Union Carbide in Bound Brook as a research technician. Recognizing his leadership qualities, he was requested to join Human Resources.

"As an Employee Resources Lead, he helped open doors for other Blacks long before the push for inclusion and diversity in employment," the Historical Society wrote.

Morrison and his wife moved to Florida in 1995 to enjoy a warmer climate. At this time, a different mayor telegraphed Morrison ad thanked him for his "meaningful work in the community."

The 13 members of the 2022 Hall of Fame selection committee are planning the induction ceremony for Friday, Oct. 7, 2022.

Historical Society members and the public at large are encouraged to submit
profiles of persons believed to be strong candidates for the Westfield Hall of Fame to the Westfield Historical Society, P. O. Box 613, Westfield, NJ 07091.