James M. Baxter

James Miller Baxter (c. 1845 – December 28, 1909) was the first African-American principal of a school in Newark, New Jersey, taking the position at age 19 in 1864 and serving as Newark's only African – American principal until 1909, shortly before his death.

Baxter was born in Philadelphia to James and Elizabeth Baxter, part of the city's small African-American middle class. In 1861 at age 16 he enrolled at the Institute for Colored Youth and graduated from the 4-year program in 3 years. After graduation he was elected as an officer of an African-American literary and debate society, the Frederick Douglass Lyceum.

Two months after accepting a teaching position teaching position at Newark's State Street Public School, he was appointed the school's principal. In 1869 he opened a night school open to older students.

The James M. Baxter Terrace Housing Projects, completed in 1941, were named in his honor.