Essex County Honors 4 Residents For Black History Month – Patch

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A group of four Essex County residents were 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.

“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.”

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