The Union County Board of Commissioners invites residents, their friends and families to celebrate Black History Month with a series of cultural and historical events taking place throughout the month of February. These programs honor the lasting contributions of Black leaders, artists, activists, and community members, both locally and nationally.
“Black History Month is a time for our community to honor the strength and resilience of Black Americans who fought injustice and created lasting change,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Their history shaped powerful cultural and artistic contributions that continue to influence Union County and inspire future generations. We invite residents to join us throughout February for events celebrating this legacy and its impact on our community and country.”
The month-long celebration will begin 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 will officially mark the start of the county’s observance of Black History Month.
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 7:00pm at the Union County Performing Arts Center’s Hamilton Stage in Rahway, is free to attend, but registration is required on ucnj.org/bhm.
Later in the month, 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 on www.ucpac.org/event/stick-fly.
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.
For more details and updates about Black History Month, please visit ucnj.org/bhm.