County Honors South Orange Resident For Black History Month – Patch

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — A South Orange resident is one of four people recently honored by the county in tribute to Black History Month.

Earlier in February, the Essex County Board of County Commissioners held its 2022 African-American History Month Celebration via Zoom. Watch the video below.

The ceremony commemorates the “heritage, culture, resilience and spirit of the African-American community,” and acknowledges the contributions of Essex County’s African-American residents.

This year, the board recognized four outstanding Essex County residents for their leadership: Lionel Leach of Irvington, Annette Strickland of Montclair, Johanna L. Wright of South Orange, and the Honorable Roger M. Yancey, Esq. (posthumously) of Newark.

The board provided the following background about Wright:

“Johanna L. Wright has built an extensive record of service as an advocate for children and their learning environments. She has been a fierce proponent for equity and excellence, and has lent her skills to working with numerous individuals and organizations. She taught Science, Health and Physical Education at South Orange Middle School and coached Basketball at Columbia High School in Maplewood. As the head girls’ basketball coach at Columbia High School, she compiled a Hall of Fame career. She is widely recognized by her work in and out of the classroom, as well as on and off the basketball court, and her nurturing style has impacted the lives of many throughout the country. She has a rich history in civic service and has received many awards, including but not limited to, a Congressional Citation for Community Services, the Essex County Education Association’s Human Rights Award; the National Black MBA Association “Women in Leadership” Award, and is a member of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Coaches Hall of Fame.”

“In our communities of color, we continue to lend a sensitive ear, a supportive hand, and a resounding voice to issues affecting those who are marginalized on the local and national front,” Commissioner President Wayne Richardson said.

“We understand the struggle continues,” Richardson said.

“Each February, our nation celebrates the spirit and dynamic leadership of African-Americans, both past and present,” Richardson added. “As a Black man, it is important to me that our contributions are celebrated both large and small because each of us are significant to the success of our communities.”