Plainfield dedicates liberty street to linward cathcart sr.

The City of Plainfield dedicated Liberty Street between West Second and West Fourth streets in honor of the Honorable Linward Cathcart Sr. at a ceremony on Saturday, October 31, 2026, according to a Plainfield report published November 2. Union County Life is sharing the story for residents who knew Cathcart or want to learn about his service.

Cathcart, also known as Minister Karriem Muhammad, was born in Rock Hill, South Carolina, in 1937. He moved to Plainfield at age eight and spent decades serving the city until his death in 2025. He held leadership roles as associate director of the Urban League, director of Community Action Child Development within the Community Action Program, and director of the Youth for Action Movement. He also owned and operated the African Queen Snack Bar.

The ceremony began with a prayer led by Norman Deen Muhammad. Cathcart’s grandson, Al-Lateef Farmer, spoke of his grandfather’s stature. “His shoulders were the important part to me, because on those shoulders, he raised a family,” Farmer said. “He helped raise a nation. He carried this city, and we all stand on him.”

Mayor Adrian Mapp spoke about the barriers Black residents faced during a period of segregation and racial discrimination in the city. “Because of people like Linward Cathcart, this city has been transformed,” Mapp said. Assemblywoman Linda Carter thanked Cathcart for being a role model to a generation of young Black men. Minister Michael Muhammad of Temple #80 in Plainfield spoke about Cathcart’s impact on the Nation of Islam and his ability to empower people.

His son, Linward “Lenny” Cathcart Jr., explained why the family chose this stretch of Liberty Street. He said the area around West Third and West Fourth streets is where his father “started a lot of his love for the community,” including through the African Queen Snack Bar and Freedom House. Cathcart Jr. said another sign will be placed at West Fourth and Liberty streets to mark the “Minister Karriem Muhammad/Hon. Linward Cathcart Sr. Way.”

Remarks were also delivered by daughter Cresta Haywood, granddaughter Nadiyah Spencer, grandson Dennis Payton, and Plainfield City Council President Julienne Cherry.

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FAQ

What Plainfield street was dedicated to Linward Cathcart Sr.?
Liberty Street between West Second and West Fourth streets was dedicated in his honor at a ceremony on October 31, 2026.

Who was Linward Cathcart Sr.?
He was born in Rock Hill, South Carolina, in 1937 and moved to Plainfield at age eight. He led local community programs for decades, owned the African Queen Snack Bar, and died in 2025.

Will there be another sign?
Yes. Cathcart Jr. said another sign will be placed at West Fourth and Liberty streets.