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Celebrate Black History Month in Union County

black history month flyerCommissioner Board will host a series of Black History Month events beginning with a flag raising ceremony on February 1.

Union County, NJ – January 28, 2022 — In recognition of Black History Month 2022, the Union County Board of County Commissioners invites the public to a series of events in February, highlighting key historical and cultural themes throughout Black history.

“The course of American history has been defined by the contributions, experiences and achievements of African Americans for more than 400 years. The Commissioner Board is very proud to provide Union County residents with new opportunities to explore the legacy of the past during Black History Month, and help chart a path of justice and equality to the future,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams.

The month-long series of events will begin with a Black History Month flag raising ceremony in front of the Union County Courthouse, at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth, at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 1, 2022.

The series continues on Wednesday, February 9th, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. with a virtual Lunch and Learn session titled, “Maintaining Our Mental Health: Wellness Strategies for Coping during the Pandemic.” With a focus on wellness, the Lunch and Learn will address ways in which African Americans, disproportionately affected by COVID-19, can learn to cope with the mental and psychological stressors caused by the pandemic and its effects.

On Friday, February 18th at 7:00 p.m. the Commissioner Board is partnering with the City of Rahway to present a live production of the award-winning play Fences, at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway. The event includes the presentation of the annual Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award.

On Thursday, February 24th at 6:30 p.m., the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs will present a free lecture on Zoom by Professor Keith E. Walcott of Union County College titled, “African American Survival: from Jim Crow to Civil Rights and beyond.” Professor Walcott will trace the capacity of African Americans to survive and achieve against great odds.

During Black History Month, the Commissioner Board also engages with various programs and activities throughout Union County, including an event featuring the 19 Black County-Elected officials in New Jersey on Wednesday, February 4th at Kean University in Union Township. On February 4th, 11th, and 18th, Union County’s social media channels will also feature Black History Month messages created by the “Divine Nine” historically Black sororities and fraternities.

For more information and updates on Union County’s Black History Month series, including links for the virtual events, visit ucnj.org/black-history-month. In addition, if you would like to learn more about Black History Month programs, please contact Judith Guest of the Union County Office of Community Engagement and Diversity at Judith.Guest@ucnj.org or 908-527-4388.

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For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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