Chessie Dentley, Student of the Month

Born in 1926, Chessie Dentley was not your average girl. Less than satisfied with simply sitting back and receiving a second-rate education, Chessie stood up and demanded change, not just for herself, but for her entire African American community. Inspired by the actual story of the life of Mrs. Chessie Dentley Roberts of New Jersey, who is now 95, Chessie Dentley, Student of the Month is a great conversation starter to help children understand restrictions in the North that were intended to deter African American students from having career options. Smart and feisty, Chessie is a role model for all children who know what they want and who aren’t afraid to go after it. Chessie Dentley Roberts, aka “Auntie Chessie,” a former typing and business education teacher in the Elizabeth, NJ school district for 30 years, retired in 1991. She worked under Mr. William Mobile Ashby, the Founder and President of the Newark, New Jersey and Elizabeth, New Jersey Urban Leagues. As a result of her tireless work, an Elizabeth, New Jersey school was renamed the Chessie Dentley Roberts Academy #30. Mrs. Chessie Dentley Roberts is the daughter of Chester Dentley and Rainard Dentley who, in 1920, relocated from Authortown, South Carolina to Elizabeth, New Jersey. Age range: All ages