Message from Councilman Roc White | February 2, 2024
February marks the annual observance of Black History Month in our country and in our community. Together, we delve into the rich tapestry of experiences, achievements and struggles of the Black community.
It is a time to better understand the Black experience through history; from struggle and pain, to hope and joy.
It is also a time to celebrate excellence and inspire our youth to shoot for the stars. I think of the groundbreaking scientific discoveries of Dr. Charles Drew and Dr. Mae Jemison, the literary brilliance of Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison, the artistic genius of Nina Simone and Miles Davis.
There’s also the entrepreneurial spirit of Madam C.J. Walker and Oprah Winfrey, and the athletic prowess of Michael Jordan and Jackie Robinson. These achievements, spanning diverse fields, stand as testaments to the immense talent and potential within the Black community.
In Union County, there are a number of important events planned to recognize Black History Month, which was started nearly 100 years ago when scholars created “Negro History Week” to counter prevailing narratives that ignored Black contributions from mainstream historical accounts of our country.
That is why we now hold lectures, celebrations and community events. In our county, it began yesterday with the raising of the Pan-African flag, also known as the Black Liberation flag, at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth.
This year’s theme is “African Americans and the Arts,” focusing on Black contributions in music, visual media and more.
The series begins Wednesday, February 14 at 12:30 p.m. with a virtual Lunch and Learn presentation. The featured speaker will be Professor Shawn Smith, a photographer and filmmaker who teaches at Essex County College. Smith’s studies includes the history of African-American Cinema. Registration for the Zoom is required at www.ucnj.org/bhm.
Please also mark your calendar for the next big event at Shady Rest Golf & Country Club in Scotch Plains, with live music and more on Friday, Feb. 16 from 7-11 p.m. There will be food, a “tricky tray” and a special appearance by JB & the BBD Rhythm & Blues Allstars and DJ Esmooth. Tickets are just $45. Proceeds will benefit the ongoing preservation of Shady Rest, the first African-American country club in the nation. (Learn more at preserveshadyrest.org)
The county is also planning a Jazz Night on Thursday, February 22 at 7 p.m. The event, held at the Union County Performing Arts Center Hamilton Stage, located at 360 Hamilton St. in Rahway, will star the Bob DeVos Quartet featuring Lance Bryant.
That event will also include the presentation of the 2024 Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. Registration is required to receive a free ticket at www.ucnj.org/bhm.
Throughout the month, residents can also expect weekly social media content featuring the “Divine Nine” historically Black fraternities and sororities. To receive more information on the entire Black History Month event lineup, residents can visit www.ucnj.org/bhm or contact Judith Guest, Union County Office of Community Engagement and Diversity, at
To me, as a local elected official, Black History Month is more than just a historical recognition; it's a powerful call to action. It encourages us to learn from the past, celebrate achievements, acknowledge ongoing challenges, and work towards a more just and equitable future.
By actively engaging in Black history, not just in February but throughout the year, we can contribute to building a future where the contributions of all individuals, regardless of race or background, are valued and celebrated.
