FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Teresa Ruiz

February 16, 2006 973-621-4404

Caryl Lucas

973-621-1590

ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE DIVINCENZO HOSTS

ANNUAL AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION

Secretary of State Nina M. Wells and Superior Court Judge Glenn Grant

Receive Coretta Scott King and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Awards

Newark Mayor and State Senator Sharpe James Recognized with

Lifetime Achievement Award

Newark, NJ – On Wednesday, February 15th, Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. hosted the County’s Annual African American History Month celebration. The yearly event honors the rich heritage of African Americans and takes time to recognize their many contributions to our nation.

During this year’s cultural observance, DiVincenzo presented the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Award to the Honorable Glenn A. Grant, Presiding Judge of the Family Court Division, Essex Vicinage, and the Coretta Scott King Leadership Award to Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells. This is the first year the Coretta Scott King Leadership Award was presented in honor of Mrs. King, the first lady of the Civil Rights movement who passed away recently. In addition, Newark Mayor and State Senator Sharpe James was the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Each year during African American History Month we explore the history and culture of African Americans and take time to learn about the triumph of the human spirit and inspiring accounts of people rising above the indignities imposed by prejudice,” said DiVincenzo. “It is important that we take this time to raise awareness of the many stories chronicling African American history, which is an essential part of American history,” he added.

During the standing-room only celebration, DiVincenzo presented the Essex County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Award to the Honorable Glenn A. Grant for being a positive role model and mentor to young people in the community. Grant serves as the Presiding Judge in the Family Division of the Essex County Vicinage. He also has been active in a variety of positions in the field of judicial administration and serves on several Supreme Court Committees.

“We have experienced the tragic loss of Rosa Parks and Coretta Scott King, as well as Dr. Martin Luther King. With their legacy, we all have to remember that each of us can make a difference,” Grant said. “There is something special about Essex County. You see leadership coming from the County Executive’s Office. It is a pleasure to be honored today,” he added.

A resident of Livingston, Secretary of State Nina M. Wells received the Coretta Scott King Leadership Award for her courage to improve the quality of life for women and youth as well as her commitment to community service. Last month, the attorney was appointed to her current post by Governor Jon S. Corzine.

Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver helped present Secretary of State Wells with the County’s first-ever Coretta Scott King Leadership Award. In light of Mrs. King’s recent death, DiVincenzo introduced the new accolade in the Civil Rights leader’s name and memory. Wells will have the responsibility as the chief master of protocol for the Garden State. “Nina Wells possesses the highest standard of dignity and has a true understanding of human worth,” Oliver said.

“I am overwhelmed by the introduction I have received,” Wells said. “Today brings back memories of when I first came to Essex County 30 years ago. Living in Essex County and raising my children here has been phenomenal,” she added. The Secretary of State noted that in addition to her statutory duties she will work to address the needs of children and develop public-private partnerships to support positive activities and programs for children.

As part of this year’s observance, DiVincenzo also presented Newark Mayor and State Senator Sharpe James with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his stellar public service record and leadership spanning four decades. He was first elected to public office in 1970 as Newark’s South Ward Councilman and won re-election three times. James was elected Mayor on May 13th, 1986, and has won re-election five times. He is the second African American Mayor elected in Newark and is the city’s 35th and longest-serving chief executive.

“When we talk about African American history, we have to include Sharpe James,” said Freeholder President Johnny Jones, who first met James 35 years ago. “He has been a vocal cheerleader for his city and its children and he remains that way today,” he added.

“I accept this Lifetime Achievement Award humbly. I have been blessed my whole career to work on several great teams, including the Newark Public Schools, Essex County College, the Newark Municipal team and on behalf of our city’s great citizens,” James said. “Joe D. has been my friend and is a true leader for our youth. I salute and support him for his belief that our diversity is our strength and not a weakness,” the Mayor added.

Performing during the event were the Voices of Newark Gospel Choir from Essex County’s Newark Tech and the Spectrum Drumming Group.

The County’s African American History Month Celebration is one of several cultural observances held by the Essex County Office of Cultural Diversity and Affirmative Action. The events are held to raise awareness about the rich ethnic backgrounds of County employees.

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