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

Event Overview

Join us for the Rev. Dr. Frank Napier Jr 5K Run/Walk on August 8, 2026, taking place at 810 Broadway, Paterson, NJ. This event honors the legacy of Dr. Frank Napier and supports a worthy cause.

About Rev. Dr. Frank Napier

• Birthdate: Born August 8, 1935 to Flora and Benjamin Napier.
• Education: Graduated from 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: Began as an elementary school teacher and coach, later appointed as administrative assistant to the Principal and Vice Principal, eventually becoming the Principal of PS #4.
• Superintendency: In 1976, became the first African American Superintendent of the Paterson Public Schools.

Contributions and Roles

• Adjunct Professor: Served at William Paterson University and directed the NJEA Ethnic Studies Program.
• Community Involvement: Counselor for the Passaic County Community College EOF Program.
• Consultant: Worked with the Paterson Board of Education and various educational organizations on social studies and black history initiatives.
• Publications: Wrote for numerous professional journals and served as a staff writer for local newspapers.

Membership and Legacy

• 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 Leadership: District chairperson for the Passaic County Boy Scouts of America and member of the Board of Trustees for the Paterson Public Library.
• Family: Father of David, Darren Napier, and Dina Napier Carroll: grandfather of seven: great-grandfather of two.

Event Purpose

All proceeds will go to the Rev. Dr. Frank Napier, Jr. Scholarship Fund.

Additional Information

For more details and to register for the run/walk, visit the official race page: Rev. Dr. Frank Napier Jr 5K Run/Walk.