Port Norris Legends

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Dr. Cadmus S. Hull
Recognized as a Living Legend of Port Norris on April 18, 2026

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Good afternoon, ladies & gentlemen.
It is truly an honor to stand before you today to celebrate - a man whose life represents perseverance, purpose, and profound impact. First a teacher, then an administrator, a professor and a mentor – but more important a brother, uncle, husband, father, and grandfather - is not just something we admire, but something we learn from. When we talk about a living legacy, we’re talking about someone whose life tells a story that continues to teach, inspire, and shape others. A man whose journey reflects so many of your own journeys. And a man we proudly recognize today as a living legacy.

My father’s story doesn’t begin with comfort or certainty. It begins in Wetipquin, Maryland, and by the age of three, he began his journey and was already on the move—coming to New Jersey on the back of a pickup truck. By twelve, he had lived in nine different places. This instability, chaos, and poverty could have defined his life, but instead, it built his resilience.

Now, some people move for opportunity.
My father moved because that’s just how life was. Life was challenging. It was a time when we did what we had to do – not necessarily what we wanted to do.
And if there’s one thing he learned early, it’s how to adapt… how to keep going… and how to make something out of whatever was in front of him. Life didn’t give him a silver spoon - he had to make it.

In high school, he excelled. He made the honor roll and became a standout athlete in track, field, and cross country. He ran races then—but little did he know, life itself would become the longest race he’d ever run.

After graduating in 1962, he did everything right—worked hard, earned good grades—but still couldn’t find a decent job. And many of you in this room know that feeling. Doing everything right… and still facing closed doors.
So, he did what people from humble beginnings do—he worked, and he worked hard.

He worked in the clam industry in Cape May. Back-breaking work. The kind of work that doesn’t just tire your body—it tests your spirit. jobs that tested his endurance, both physically and mentally. But those experiences didn’t break him. They strengthened his determination. He took on other hard jobs, too. No shortcuts. No guarantees. Just survival. He did what he had to do to take care of his family. It wasn’t easy. It was a time when his challenges were really, real for someone from his background, culture, and circumstances. But he didn’t let that break him… they strengthened his determination and resolve.

And I imagine… after those long days, he wasn’t thinking about titles or recognition.

He was thinking about getting through tomorrow.
But life has a way of placing turning points right in front of us—sometimes in the most unexpected people.

Eventually, while working at Two Guys Department Store in Vineland, he quickly worked his way up to Department Manager. And here’s where it gets interesting—because the people who helped change his life weren’t executives or people in power…
They were two part-time employees.
And they told him something simple:
“You should go to college.”

Now that right there is a lesson—because sometimes the voice that changes your life doesn’t come from the top… it comes from someone who simply sees something in you.

He listened.
And that decision—to attend the newly established Cumberland County College—changed everything. It was a turning point for him… and for all of us who stand on your shoulders.

But there was another person who helped shape his path in a lasting way: Mrs. Conkle.

She helped him understand the true power of education. Not just as a way to make a living—but as a way to build a life.

And once he understood that… he never let it go.
He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Education, his Master’s in School Administration, and his Doctorate in School Leadership. He became a teacher, a principal, AND ultimately, the first Black Superintendent in Cumberland County!!! Beyond that he is a mentor to future educators, teaching graduate courses and guiding students toward their own certifications.

We, as a family, have many educators and somehow, it all leads back to him – and for that I am grateful! Because he didn’t just believe in education—he believed in doing it right.

But his legacy doesn’t stop in the classroom or the school district.
My father is also a historian, a storyteller, and a preserver of truth. He has written eight books on African American history, ensuring that stories too often overlooked are remembered and honored. He even published second editions—because he understood that history deserves to be revisited, refined, and passed on. And in 2022, he shared his own journey in his memoir, “A White Picket Fence: Lessons Learned on the Road to Success.”

That title alone says so much. Because his life teaches us that success is not a straight path. It is built through struggle, through listening, through seizing unexpected opportunities, and through believing in something bigger than yourself.

Today, as we honor him as a living legacy, we are not just celebrating his accomplishments—we are celebrating his impact.

Last night, a scholarship was named in his honor, The Dr. Cadmus S. Hull Impact Scholarship.

We are celebrating every student whose life was changed because he believed in them.

Every educator who grew under his leadership.
Every reader who learned something new through his writing.
And every person—like me—who has been shaped by his example. His resilience has built his entire family.

Dad, your life reminds us that where you start does not determine where you can go. That hard work, humility, and a willingness to learn can transform not just one life—but generations.

You are more than a scholar, more than an educator, more than an author.
You are a builder of futures.
A keeper of history.
And a true living legacy.
Your journey didn’t end with you.
It lives in your children.
It lives in your grandchildren.
It lives in your students.
And it lives in every person you’ve ever encouraged to do just a little bit more.
We want you to truly hear this:
Your life made a difference.
Your work made a difference.
Your sacrifices made a difference.

And they will continue to make a difference… long after this moment.
We honor you. We thank you. And we are better because of you.
So, on behalf of your family —and everyone whose life you’ve touched—
Dad… CONGRATULATIONS, WE LOVE YOU!!!

Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in celebrating my father…
Dr. Cadmus S. Hull… a true living legacy.

Presneted by his daughter, Dr. Angie Gray

Left to right: PNHS member Gloria Guidera presenting
the plaque to Dr. Hull and his daughter Dr. Angie Gray.

Dr. Hull's family

Dr. Hull shared a image from his track days at
Millville High School.