Eloise Alma Flagg

Eloise Alma Williams Flagg (September 16, 1918 – March 10, 2018) was the first African-American woman to be a school principal in Newark, New Jersey and the first African-American principal in a racially integrated school in Newark. Alma Flagg Elementary School in Newark is named in her honor.

Early life Flagg was born as Eloise Alma Williams on September 16, 1918 in Virginia to Hannibal and Caroline Williams. She graduated Newark State College (since renamed as Kean University) with a Bachelor's, Montclair State University with a Master's, and Teachers College, Columbia University with a doctorate in education. In 1958-1959, exams were conducted for vacant vice principalship positions. Four African American teachers including Dr. Flagg protested the exams in a racial bias suit as having "prejudiced the rankings of Negro candidates". In 1963, a judge dismissed the case for "lack of probable cause". In 1964, Flagg was placed second on the list of principal candidates. She was appointed principal of Hawkins Street School becoming the first African American female principal.

Later life In 1967, Flagg became assistant superintendent in charge of curriculum services for Newark. Flagg held the assistant superintendent position until she retired in 1983. She was active in the Newark Preservation and Landmarks Committee. In 1995, E. Alma Flagg Elementary School was named in her honor, and she was saluted in the House by Rep. Donald M. Payne. She died March 10, 2018.