New Brunswick / North Brunswick High Schools Public Memory Project
This is an ongoing collaboration with Andy Urban and Rutgers University’s Department of American Studies and includes oral histories with individuals who were present for the school district split between New Brunswick and North Brunswick in 1974, or whose experiences help frame an understanding for the conditions that led to the district split.
Joe Nastus loves his hometown of New Brunswick and details many fond memories of growing up in the area. Joe worked full-time in the plumbing business, owning a company that he sold in 2015. He discusses the many reinventions of New Brunswick that he has witnessed over the years. He is involved with Rotary fundraising, likes to take cross-country motorcycle trips, and is earning his private pilot’s license.
Jimmie Staton is an active member of the New Brunswick community. Mr. Staton’s narration offers reflections on white flight, racism, inner city schools, and being Black in America in the 21st century.
James Wiggins is a native of New Brunswick where the majority of his memories take place. James talks about growing up on Loretta Street, his experiences in school, and the importance of his neighborhood in shaping that type of person that he wanted to be. He is a life-long musician who, after helping set up Crossroads Theatre Company, a Black theater company in New Brunswick, became an actor himself. Now retired from truck driving, James narrates his deep love for his family, especially for his wife and his late son.