The Jockey Hollow Chapter held its quarterly meeting on May 31, 2025 at The Exchange Restaurant in Rockaway, NJ. The lunch meeting began at 11:30 A.M. with special guest Chris Sands, President of NJSSAR.
Officer reports were delivered. President La Marca indicated volunteer help is needed for the following activities:
- Grave Markings
- Web Site Assistance (Newsroom)
- Pomeroy Foundation Markers
- Color Guard
- Speakers Bureau
- Education Committee
- Liberty Tree
If you can help with any of these, please contact President La Marca.
The vote to ratify the newly prepared bylaws was conducted by ballot. The bylaws were ratified by the membership.
An update of the Wreaths Across America program was given, indicating that the chapters transferring its support to the First Presbyterian Church/ United Methodist Church Cemetery in Succasunna so that we can work with the Ferro Monte DAR Chapter that runs the program. Volunteers will be needed, with more information to come.
Initiation of the new Vice President, Michael Smilek, was done by President La Marca. President La Marca also initiated new members George Kirby and Jake Hays.
Compatriots were recognized with awards and medals for service to the chapter and community. Members were presented the awards by President La Marca or President Sands, followed by a hearty, “Huzzah, huzzah, huzzah!”
The fascinating featured presentation, “Cudjo ‘Jack’ Banquante: Newark’s Revolutionary War Soldier and First Black Businessman,” was delivered by special guest speaker Kofi Ayim. His enlightening speech recounted the remarkable life and indomitable spirit of Cudjo Banquante—who was born into Ghanaian royalty, sold into slavery, and later substituted for his master in the Revolutionary War. He fought gallantly in many major battles and, upon earning his freedom, was granted an acre of land. With this, he became Newark’s first documented Black businessman—at the age of seventy. Mr. Ayim spends his time in Newark and in Ghana and has authored three books.













