Passaic in Passaic County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Civil Rights Activist: Rev. James H. Penn
Photographed by New Jersey Black Heritage Trail, August 29, 2026
1. Civil Rights Activist: Rev. James H. Penn Marker
Rev. James H. Penn (1880-1977) was a trailblazer and civil rights advocate who became the first Black lawyer in the City of Passaic and Passaic County in 1909. He played a crucial role in the passage of the groundbreaking 1917 legislation that granted African Americans access to public accommodations in New Jersey. He provided legal services to African Americans until the age of 95, making him the oldest practicing attorney in the county. Rev. Penn was also the first African American to be appointed to the Passaic County Republican Committee, and helped establish Mt. Zion Baptist Mission Church.
Erected 2026 by New Jersey Historical Commission. (Marker Number 2024.A.21.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights. A significant historical year for this entry is 1909.
Location. 40° 52.001′ N, 74° 7.905′ W. Marker is in Passaic, New Jersey, in Passaic County. It is at the intersection of Main Avenue and Sherman Street, on the left when traveling north on Main Avenue. Located in front of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Passaic. Touch for map. Marker is at or near
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in New Jersey’s North Jersey, in Greater Newark, and in the New York City Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Acquacknonk Bridge (approx. 0.8 miles away); Nassau Hall Academy (approx. 0.9 miles away); Henry Garritse (approx. 0.9 miles away); Post Grave Monument (approx. 0.9 miles away); The Land Upon Which We Pray (approx. 0.9 miles away); Soldiers and Sailors Monument (approx. 0.9 miles away); Daughters of the American Revolution (approx. 0.9 miles away); General John J. Pershing (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Passaic.
Photographed by New Jersey Black Heritage Trail, August 29, 2026
2. Rev. James H. Penn Marker Unveiling Ceremony
On August 29, 2026 the New Jersey Historical Commission unveiled a marker honoring trailblazer and civil rights advocate Rev. James H. Penn (1880-1977) who became the first Black lawyer in the City of Passaic and Passaic County in 1909. Rev. Penn played a crucial role in the passage of the groundbreaking 1917 legislation that granted African Americans access to public accommodations in New Jersey.
The Herald-News, Passaic, NJ.
3. Obituary for James H. Penn.
The Morning Call, Paterson, NJ.
4. James H. Penn, Passaic's First African American Lawyer.
Photographed by 2
5. Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Passaic.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 10, 2026, by New Jersey Black Heritage Trail of Trenton, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 10, 2026, by New Jersey Black Heritage Trail of Trenton, New Jersey. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
