Urban League of Union County, Inc.

Urban League of Union County, Inc. The Urban League of Union County, Inc., founded in 1944, is a non-profit community based organization in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

The structure of the Urban League is biracial and nonpartisan in its leadership and staff. We are governed by a Board of Directors who represents various areas of the community. We have three auxiliaries: the Urban League of Union County Guild-Elizabeth and the Urban League of Union County Guild-Trenton, both support programs of the agency and have a combined Guild membership of 100 men and wome

n; and the Urban League of Union County Young Professionals, a 50 member youth auxiliary, that also support Urban League programs and initiatives.

We hope everyone has been having a joyful and meaningful Juneteenth. As we reflect on the resilience, contributions, and...
06/19/2026

We hope everyone has been having a joyful and meaningful Juneteenth. As we reflect on the resilience, contributions, and legacy of those who came before us, we are looking forward to gathering with community members tomorrow for a special morning of remembrance, reflection, and celebration. ❤️

And it’s not too late to join us.

The Urban League of Union County is proud to partner with the 313+ Ancestors Speak Project, the City of Elizabeth Department of Recreation, and GoElizabethNJ250 for the Juneteenth Celebration at the 313+ Ancestors Speak Monument.

This event will honor Black history, legacy, and cultural tourism in one of Elizabeth’s most significant historic spaces. Guests will enjoy breakfast, welcome remarks, a commemorative brick unveiling, and The Underground Experience, a live immersive Black history reenactment and storytelling journey that brings our shared history to life.

Whether you’re joining us to learn, reflect, celebrate, or support this important community landmark, we would love to see you there.

Event details are as follows:

Saturday, June 20, 2026
9:30a.m.
313+ Ancestors Speak Monument
Old First Cemetery
42 Broad Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201

The commemorative brick initiative remains open, and community members are encouraged to purchase a brick and become part of this lasting tribute to the generations whose stories helped shape our community.

PURCHASE YOUR BRICK: https://www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/shfpc

For additional information, please contact [email protected].

06/18/2026

We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming to shout from the mountaintops:

Happy Birthday to our President & CEO, Crystal Orr, MBA! 🎉🎉🎉

We continue to be inspired by the standard of excellence, leadership, and care you bring to the Urban League of Union County, Inc. each and every day. Thank you for not only leading our organization with vision and purpose, but for your unwavering commitment to service across our community and beyond.

Whether representing us at the local, state, or national level, you consistently show up with grace, professionalism, and a deep passion for creating opportunities for others. Your impact is felt far beyond the walls of our organization, and we are grateful to witness your leadership in action.

As you head into your birthday weekend, we hope you take time to reflect on all that you have accomplished, the countless lives you have touched, and the legacy you continue to build. We know that even greater things are ahead, and we cannot wait to see what this next year brings.

Please join us in the comments in wishing Crystal a very happy birthday and celebrating her on this special day! ♊️🎂🥳

Something BIG is happening in Union County! 🎉We are thrilled to present Game On!: Global Game, Local Impact, powered by ...
06/18/2026

Something BIG is happening in Union County! 🎉

We are thrilled to present Game On!: Global Game, Local Impact, powered by the Urban League of Union County, the Housing Authority of the City of Elizabeth, Choose New Jersey, and an incredible coalition of local and statewide partners. ⚽🌎

On July 12 and 13, Elizabeth will host a FREE, family-friendly celebration of soccer, culture, opportunity, and community just one week before the FIFA World Cup Final. This is a part of the initiative in which only 34 organizations across New Jersey were selected to receive support through this exciting World Cup-inspired community initiative.

As the world's attention turns to New Jersey, THIS is our chance to showcase the pride, diversity, and spirit that make Union County special.

What can you expect?
• Soccer clinics and interactive activities ⚽
• Cultural showcases and performances 🌍
• Diverse food and culinary experiences 🍽
• Arts and crafts 🎨
• Health and wellness activities 💪🏾
• Housing, workforce, and social service resources 🤝
• Employment and career opportunities 💼
• Sports panels, networking, and community conversations 🎤
• Fun for ALL ages 🎉

Whether you're a soccer fan, looking for resources, interested in exploring different cultures, or simply searching for a great family outing, Game On! has something for everyone.

Most importantly, admission is completely FREE. Register today, invite your family and friends, and join us as we celebrate the global game right here in Elizabeth.

Be sure to follow us and turn on notifications. We'll be sharing featured activities, community partners, special guests, volunteer opportunities, and more in the weeks ahead.

The countdown starts now. Let's show the world what Union County is made of.
Game On!

🎟 Reserve your FREE tickets today at GameOnNJ.com


History isn't meant to sit on a page. It's meant to be experienced.Join us this Saturday, June 20, at the 313+ Ancestors...
06/16/2026

History isn't meant to sit on a page. It's meant to be experienced.

Join us this Saturday, June 20, at the 313+ Ancestors Speak Monument for the Juneteenth Celebration: Final Brick Laying Ceremony and take part in Play: The Underground Experience, an immersive live museum and theatrical production that brings Black history to life through storytelling, dialogue, and live performances.

As we commemorate Juneteenth, we'll gather to honor the legacy of those who came before us, celebrate the continued impact of Black communities in Elizabeth, and mark an important milestone in the monument's commemorative brick initiative.

Free Breakfast will be served, and advance registration for the Play: The Underground Experience is encouraged.

Thank you to our partners and sponsors: 313+ Ancestors Speak Project, Elizabeth Recreation, The Sergio Granados Civic Association, Northfield Bank, and the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce.

Did you know that June is National Homeownership Month?What better way to celebrate than by taking one step closer to be...
06/15/2026

Did you know that June is National Homeownership Month?

What better way to celebrate than by taking one step closer to becoming a homeowner?

Our FREE First-Time Homebuyer Course is designed to help you navigate the homebuying process with confidence while connecting you to resources that could help make homeownership more affordable.

Our program has helped participants access grants, certifications, and down payment assistance opportunities that have brought them closer to purchasing a home. In fact, one of our most recent attendees received more than $13,000 through various grant opportunities she learned about through our program and resources available in collaboration with the National Urban League. Even our own President & CEO benefited from the knowledge and resources provided through this course.

The resources are available. The opportunities are out there. The first step is taking action.

Classes begin later this week, and our next session won't be offered again until August. Don't miss this opportunity to learn about credit, loan products, down payment assistance programs, closing documents, and the path to homeownership.

It's not too late to register and invest in your future. Give us a call! 908-351-7200 or email [email protected].

INCREDIBLE NEWS! 🎉🎉🎉We have been waiting to share this announcement, and today we are proud to officially reveal that th...
06/12/2026

INCREDIBLE NEWS! 🎉🎉🎉

We have been waiting to share this announcement, and today we are proud to officially reveal that the Urban League of Union County has been selected as one of just 34 organizations across New Jersey to receive funding through the NJ World Cup Community Initiative Grant Program.

As part of this exciting opportunity, we are thrilled to partner with our friends and longtime collaborators at the Housing Authority for the City of Elizabeth to host Game On!, a community-centered World Cup activation that will take place July 12-13 in Elizabeth and Union.

The NJ World Cup Community Initiative was created to help communities across the state participate in the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026 while ensuring the economic and community benefits extend far beyond the stadium. Through a $5 million statewide investment, grants were awarded to organizations hosting public fan experiences, community events, and initiatives that support local businesses and bring residents together.

Governor Mikie Sherrill described the FIFA World Cup 2026 as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase New Jersey on the global stage, and this initiative is designed to help communities across the state share in that moment.

We are honored to be among the organizations selected and look forward to creating an experience that celebrates community, culture, connection, and the global spirit of the game right here in Union County.

Be on the lookout for more details about Game On! in the coming days.

If you’re not already following us on social media or subscribed to our newsletter, now is the time. Trust us, you won’t want to miss what’s coming next.

THANK YOU to Choose New Jersey for making this possible!

Please allow us to take a moment and join us in congratulating our very own, Cathy Waters, on receiving the Union County...
06/10/2026

Please allow us to take a moment and join us in congratulating our very own, Cathy Waters, on receiving the Union County Human Relations Commission's Unity Award for Special Achievement.

For more than two decades, Cathy has been a tireless advocate for returning citizens, helping individuals and families navigate some of life's most challenging transitions with dignity, compassion, and unwavering support. Through her leadership as Director of the Urban League of Union County's Reconnections Program and her service as Chair of the Union County Re-Entry Task Force, she has helped create pathways to employment, stability, and opportunity for thousands of community members.

Cathy's work reminds us that successful reentry is about more than employment or services. It is about restoring hope, rebuilding families, strengthening communities, and ensuring that every person has the opportunity to thrive.

This recognition reflects what so many across Union County already know: Cathy leads with both expertise and heart. Her commitment to public service, workforce development, and second chances has left an immeasurable impact on countless lives.

We are incredibly proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor and grateful for the leadership, advocacy, and compassion Cathy brings to our community every day.

Congratulations, Cathy, and thank you for your continued service to Union County.

As we head into the weekend, we want to take a moment to thank everyone who joined us for our events last week. ❤️👏🏾Betw...
06/05/2026

As we head into the weekend, we want to take a moment to thank everyone who joined us for our events last week. ❤️👏🏾

Between our Annual Meeting and Reentry Symposium, both held at Kean University’s STEM Building, we had the opportunity to gather with community members, partners, advocates, leaders and supporters who continue to believe in the mission and work of the Urban League of Union County.

We are incredibly grateful to our staff, volunteers, vendors, speakers, sponsors and community partners who helped make these events possible. Many of these relationships span years, and we never take your support for granted. Your commitment allows us to continue creating spaces for learning, connection, advocacy and opportunity throughout Union County and beyond.

Most importantly, thank you to every person who attended, participated and showed up, including our local elected officials. Your presence matters.

We’re already looking ahead to an exciting slate of programs and events in the weeks ahead, and trust us, you won’t want to miss what’s coming next. 👀

If you haven’t already, be sure to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media so you’ll be the first to hear about upcoming announcements, opportunities and events.

Until then, we wish you a safe, productive and enjoyable weekend. Thank you for being part of our community, and we look forward to connecting with you again soon.

We know things are tense in New Jersey right now. We also understand there may be a sense of voter apathy, frustration, ...
06/02/2026

We know things are tense in New Jersey right now. We also understand there may be a sense of voter apathy, frustration, or fatigue heading into today's primary election.

Two things can be true at the same time.

👉🏿 You can be disappointed with the political process, and still recognize the importance of participating in it.

👉🏾 Today is Election Day in New Jersey. 🚨

While national politics often dominate headlines, local and state elections will have the most direct impact on your daily life. The decisions made by governors, legislators, county officials, and local leaders influence everything from transportation and housing to public safety, education, economic development, and community investment.

If you have something to say about the direction of your municipality, county, or state, use your vote. Then continue showing up. Attend town halls. Participate in community meetings. Engage with elected officials. Democracy does not begin and end at the ballot box.

Consider the numbers:

• As of May 1, New Jersey had approximately 6.7 million registered voters.

• According to the New Jersey Globe, "A total of 372,461 votes have been cast in advance of today's primary election in New Jersey, according to an analysis by VoteHub. The polls open on Election Day with turnout already at 9%."

Every election cycle, thousands of people decide the outcome while millions sit on the sidelines. We cannot let this continue to happen. Whether you vote by mail or in person, make a plan and make your voice heard TODAY. Your community, your county, and your state are shaped by the people who participate.

Polls are open until 8:00 pm. New Jersey, it's your turn.

There are certain annual traditions that become deeply meaningful to a community, and the Gentlemen’s Ball is absolutely...
06/01/2026

There are certain annual traditions that become deeply meaningful to a community, and the Gentlemen’s Ball is absolutely one of them.

Each year, we look forward to celebrating the brilliance, growth, discipline, and promise of these young Black men as they prepare for the Urban League Guild of Union County Trenton Chapter's 43rd Annual Gentlemen’s Ball.

We invite you to join us for an evening of elegance, purpose, and celebration of these young men. Their future is bright and deserving of being seen.

Address

1139 E Jersey Street Suite 515
Elizabeth, NJ
07208

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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