Flag Raising
The month-long celebration began with a Black History Month Flag Raising Ceremony on Monday, February 2 at 1:00pm in the Union County Courthouse Rotunda, at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.
This ceremony officially marked the start of the county’s observance of Black History Month.
Madame Selika
On Thursday, February 19, the County will present a free public performance of “Madame Selika: 1878, Songbird in the White House,” a re-creation commemorating the historic 1878 White House concert by soprano Marie Selika Williams, who performed at the recommendation of Frederick Douglass for President Rutherford B. Hayes.
Madame Selika and her husband, Samson Williams, were the first free people of color to perform at the White House.
This event, starting at 7:00 pm at the Hamilton Stage in Rahway, is free to attend, but registration is required.
Stick Fly
On Friday, February 27, the Union County Board of County Commissioners will present the 2026 Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award to Shawn McClain, president of the Elizabeth branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
Immediately following the ceremony, UCPAC will host a performance of Stick Fly, a play written by Lydia R. Diamond that explores the dynamics of an African American family as they navigate issues of race, class, and identity in America.
A limited amount of tickets are available.
Art Exhibit
Throughout the entire month of February, residents are encouraged to visit the Black History Month Exhibit in the Commissioners Gallery, which celebrates local Black history by highlighting the lives and accomplishments of leaders, activists, artists, and athletes from Union County.
Materials on display have been donated in part by Ethel M. Washington, a Plainfield resident and the author of Union County Black Americans. Residents and guests may visit the free exhibit.
Located on the 6th floor of the Union County Administration Building at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth, Monday through Friday, from 9:00am to 5:00pm throughout the month of February.
