On Thursday, September 28, members of the Global Scholars Program took a walking historical, cultural, and food tour of the Newark Ironbound neighborhood. Students Luke Tan ’24, Arshbir Singh ’25, Vinay Karthik ’25, Bella Rovito ’24 and Fay Zhu ’24 were accompanied by Mrs. Nicole Nolan, Director of Global Scholars and Community Outreach.
Prior to the excursion, students studied the historical development of the area, including both the cultural changes and the environmental consequences of neighborhoods developed along industrial corridors.
Students began the day at the Nova Alianca Bakery, a neighborhood hub for the Portuguese community. Students walked to observe other area merchants and restaurants, the changing architecture of the neighborhood, and the various cultural backgrounds represented. They spent about an hour in Riverfront Park, a 3-mile, 30-acre greenspace opened in 2012. The park includes historical markers that tell the story of the industries along the Passaic River.
The students then enjoyed lunch at Sabor Unido, a family owned restaurant that features Portuguese and Brazilian cuisine. While there, they had the opportunity to speak with the son of the owner and chef. The walking tour was sweetly finished with some well-earned homemade ice cream at Nasto's Old World Desserts, a traditional Italian establishment dating back to 1939.
“This trip was an amazing experience,” Luke said. “In addition to the delicious Brazilian-Portuguese food at Sabor Unido and Nova Alianca Bakery, I loved learning about different immigrant-owned businesses and how they represent different eras of migration to the area. Riverfront Park was also beautiful, and it was fascinating to read about the industrial and environmental history of the ground we were literally standing on!”