Harvey Judkins 103rd Birthday Plainfield Community Leader Civil Rights

PLAINFIELD, NJ — On Wednesday afternoon, community members streamed into Harvey Judkins’ Emerson Avenue home to celebrate a milestone few people ever have the opportunity to reach: a 103rd birthday.

From 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., a steady flow of friends, family, and neighbors stopped by to greet Judkins and share in the celebration. His wife, Michelle Bryant-Judkins, described the gathering as a “community pop-in.”

“You pop in, say ‘happy birthday,’ grab a plate, and go,” Bryant-Judkins said. “We have kept this line moving all afternoon long. It’s really been amazing. This is a community day to share the love that this man has had throughout this community.”

Judkins’ 103 years span pivotal moments in American and local history. Shortly after his 18th birthday, the United States entered World War II. In 1965, at age 41, he was elected to the Plainfield City Council following his father Joseph Judkins’ death in late 1964, which left him to manage the family business.

During his three-year council term, Judkins was one of only two Black councilmen on the nine-member body during the tumultuous 1967 riots. He and fellow councilman Everett Lattimore articulated the concerns of Black residents to their white, Republican colleagues. Judkins, whose business and home were on the West End, witnessed the unrest firsthand—a bullet passed through the sign of Judkins Colonial Home.

Beyond politics, Judkins helped shape the community’s future. In 1965, he worked with the late Linward Cathcart to advocate for the Hannah Atkins Pool, which opened July 20, 1968. The lack of a pool on the West End had been a central civil rights issue. Plainfield honored both men in 2024 for their contributions to the pool’s founding.

Today, Judkins still owns the funeral home his father founded over 100 years ago. His son serves as a Funeral Director there, continuing the family legacy.

At the celebration, an unexpected guest added a special touch: the Crazy Faith Riders brought a horse to Judkins’ front yard. Judkins is an honorary member and the group’s oldest member.

“I am so glad you all could come to share this day with me,” Judkins said from his armchair between greeting visitors and taking calls. “I am blessed by having you all here. I’m truly blessed.”

FAQ:

Q: Who is Harvey Judkins?
A: Harvey Judkins is a 103-year-old Plainfield community leader, former city councilman, and owner of Judkins Colonial Home, a family funeral business that has operated for over 100 years. He is known for his contributions to civil rights advocacy and community development.

Q: What was Harvey Judkins’ role on the City Council?
A: Judkins served on the Plainfield City Council from 1965 to 1968. He was one of only two Black councilmen on the nine-member body during the 1967 riots. He and fellow councilman Everett Lattimore advocated for Black residents’ concerns to their white, Republican colleagues.

Q: What is the Hannah Atkins Pool, and why is it significant?
A: The Hannah Atkins Pool opened on July 20, 1968, and was a major civil rights achievement. The lack of a public pool on Plainfield’s West End had been a central civil rights issue. Judkins and the late Linward Cathcart were instrumental in making it happen. Plainfield honored both men in 2024.

Q: Did Judkins experience the 1967 riots firsthand?
A: Yes. Judkins lived and worked on the West End during the 1967 riots. A bullet passed through the sign of Judkins Colonial Home during the unrest.

Q: What business has Judkins owned?
A: Judkins Colonial Home, a funeral home founded by his father Joseph Judkins. When his father died in late 1964, Harvey took over the business at age 41. His son now works there as a Funeral Director.

Q: How did Judkins celebrate his 103rd birthday?
A: The community held a “pop-in” style celebration on October 8, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. at his Emerson Avenue home. Friends, family, and neighbors stopped by to greet him and celebrate. The Crazy Faith Riders, a group Judkins is an honorary member of, brought a horse to his front yard.

Q: Is Harvey Judkins still active in the community?
A: Yes. He remains an honorary member of the Crazy Faith Riders (the group’s oldest member) and is still engaged with the community at 103 years old.