Rev. Dr. Frank Napier Jr 5K Run/Walk

Race Overview

The Rev. Dr. Frank Napier Jr 5K Run/Walk will take place on August 8, 2026, at 810 Broadway, Paterson, NJ. For more details, visit this link.

About Rev. Dr. Frank Napier Jr

• Birthdate: Born August 8, 1935 to Flora and Benjamin Napier.
• Education: Graduated from Paterson Public School #4 in 1949 and Paterson Central High School in 1953. Earned B.S. and M.A. degrees from William Paterson Teachers College and a Doctorate of Education from the University of Massachusetts.
• Career: Started as an elementary school teacher and coach in the Paterson School System, eventually becoming Principal of PS #4.
• Leadership Role: In 1976, he became the first African American Superintendent of the Paterson Public Schools.

Contributions and Achievements

• Academic Involvement: Served as an adjunct professor at William Paterson University.
• Community Programs: Directed the NJEA Ethnic Studies Program and the Paterson State SummerEOP Fund.
• Consultant Work: Provided consulting for various educational programs and organizations, including the Paterson Board of Education.
• Published Writer: Authored numerous articles for professional journals and served as a staff writer for local news outlets.

Affiliations

• Organizations: Member of the New Jersey Urban Superintendents Association, William Paterson Alumni Association, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
• NAACP: Life Member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
• Community Service: District chairperson of Passaic County Boy Scouts of America and member of the Board of Trustees for the Paterson Public Library.
• Faith Community: Former member of Christ Temple Baptist Church and pastor of Gazaway Baptist Church at the time of his death.

Family and Legacy

• Survived By: Father of David, Darren Napier, and Dina Napier Carroll.
• Grandchildren: Grandfather of seven and great-grandfather of two.
• Scholarship Fund: All proceeds from the 5K will go to the Rev. Dr. Frank Napier, Jr. Scholarship Fund.