It’s Charles H. Bullock School’s 15th Birthday!! Fifteen years ago, CHB opened its doors for the very first time to students. The grand opening marked the establishment of the first brand new school in Montclair in nearly 80 years and the first building in the Township to be named after an African American.
Built on the former site of the Washington Street Y, the school’s name pays tribute to Charles Harmon Bullock who was a prominent leader in the African American YMCA movement in the early 20th Century. The son of former enslaved people, he became a teacher, a journalist, and served as the Washington Street Y's executive director from 1916 to 1935. A photograph of Mr. Bullock is located in the school entranceway, memorializing his contributions during his tenure.
For many, the Washington Street Y served as a place where children felt safe and protected. It’s been described as a "Beacon of Light" and a "North Star" in the Black community of Montclair for providing a complete array of programs and services that improved the well-being of individuals, families and Montclair's African American Community as a whole. In 2019, CHB held a ceremony unveiling a memorial plaque honoring the history and legacy of the Washington Street Y.
Happy Birthday Charles H. Bullock School!!