Our People of the Century      Sam Clark: "I Really Enjoy Helping People"

Sam Clark sums up a quarter of a century of community involvement in one sentence.

“I really enjoy helping people, and the bottom line is I have plenty of time to do it.”

Currently chairman of the Cumberland County Human Relations Commission, Clark has given his time and energy to local chapters of the Red Cross and Cancer Society. He was chairman of the Cumberland County chapter of the NAACP for 15 years – and volunteered at Newcomb Hospital for five years.

An early retirement brought Clark to Vineland 25 years ago. He found himself with time on his hands and an interest in helping people. And he hasn’t stopped since.

Clark’s commendations are many. The City Council honored him in 1992 after he stepped down as president of the local NAACP. “This peacemaker is a great believer in communication and negotiation, rather than confrontation. His accomplishments and career in the NAACP have left an imprint on the members of this organization and upon the residents of our community,” the resolution read.

“I’ve found some fine people across the board here,” Clark said.

A staunch defender of human rights, Clark said he believes civil rights fall in line when human rights are in place.

The 73-year-old said he’ll stay active as long as God gives him the strength.

When Clark looks back, he has no trouble identifying his best achievement:

“One day, I looked around and found God,” he said. “That’s my life. That’s my best achievement.”