Year Honored: 1992

Birth: 1928 - 2018

Biography

Lozelle Jenkins DeLuz began her career as a teacher and principle. She moved on to become the first black woman to hold the position of editor-in-chief at J.P Lippincott’s Elementary and High School Language Arts division publishing company, where she aided in the revision of textbooks by monitoring for racial and gender stereotypes.

In 1975, she and her husband opened a McDonald’s Franchise in Wilmington, DE. They would later open two more franchises. Through the stores DeLuz was able to provide job opportunities and training to youth. She also served at President of the Pennsylvania Black McDonald’s Owners Association.

DeLuz earned a PHD in Urban Affairs and Public Policy through the University of Delaware in 1985. She also created, and served as President and CEO of DeLuz Management Consulting, Inc.

DeLuz has been on numerous boards including President of the board of the Children’s Bureau; on the Wesley College Trust; the U.S Small Business Administration Regional Advisory; and the University of Delaware Board of Trustees. She was also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; on the Coalition of 100 Black Women; on the Senate Committee on services to Children, Youth, and their Families; and on the staff pastor relations committee and stewardship at the Ezion Mount Carmel United Methodist Church.

She has been honored with the National Conference of Christians and Jews Brotherhood Award (1985), University of Delaware Wall of Fame (1991), Lincoln Universities Leadership of Excellence Award (2003), Wilmington Senior Center Award for tireless contributions to the community (2004), and the Winston-Salem State Universities unsung hero award for business and community service (2005).
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Sources and Additional Readings

Dr. Lozelle J. de Luz Obituary (2018) The News Journal. Legacy.com. (n.d.). Retrieved January 11, 2022, from https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/delawareonline/name/lozelle-luz-obituary?pid=189664658

In memoriam: Lozelle de Luz. UDaily. (n.d.). Retrieved January 11, 2022, from https://www.udel.edu/udaily/2018/july/in-memoriam-lozelle-de-luz/

Lozelle J. DeLuz (1927-2018) - find a grave... Find a Grave. (n.d.). Retrieved January 11, 2022, from https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/215536299/lozelle-j.-deluz

WITN22Wilmington. (2015, December 14). Voices of the elders - Lozelle de Luz - December 2015. YouTube. Retrieved January 11, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAJGfuJ5qdU