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

Thank you Commissioner Neron for your support!
03/09/2026

Thank you Commissioner Neron for your support!

03/08/2026

Today we celebrate International Women’s Day and the leadership of women in Union County, New Jersey, across the National Urban League movement, and beyond.

We are proud to be led by powerhouse women who continue to move our mission forward each day, from our President and CEO, Crystal Orr, to our Board President, Dr. Cassandra Murphy-McCray, to our outgoing Young Professionals President, Jessica Taylor.

Their leadership reflects the strength, vision, and commitment that women bring to every level of this work. It is also carried forward by the many women across our staff, membership, volunteers, and community partners who show up every day to serve, advocate, and lead.

Because of you, the Urban League of Union County continues to stand strong in its work to advance equity, opportunity, and empowerment in our community.

Today, and throughout Women’s History Month and beyond, we celebrate you.

We hope you feel proud, supported, and recognized for the fierce Black women you are and for the impact you continue to make. ❤️🤍🩷

Today, we recognize the 61st anniversary of Bloody Sunday.On March 7, 1965, courageous men and women marched across the ...
03/07/2026

Today, we recognize the 61st anniversary of Bloody Sunday.

On March 7, 1965, courageous men and women marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, demanding the right to vote. They were met with violence, but their bravery helped galvanize the nation and led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The photos in this post were taken last year during the 60th anniversary commemoration in Selma, when leaders from the National Urban League and organizations across the country gathered to reflect on this historic moment and the sacrifices made by those who came before us.

As we remember Bloody Sunday, we know that the fight for equity continues in many spaces- in boardrooms, on the frontlines, through grassroots organizing, and in philanthropy that invests in stronger communities.

We stand on the shoulders of those who marched before us. The responsibility to continue the fight belongs to all of us.

Today, on Employee Appreciation Day, we pause to recognize the people who make our work possible every single day.Since ...
03/06/2026

Today, on Employee Appreciation Day, we pause to recognize the people who make our work possible every single day.

Since 1944, the Urban League of Union County has served our community through the dedication, talent, and commitment of the people behind this organization. Our staff, past and present, are the backbone and the heartbeat of this work.

For 82 years, it has been their leadership, compassion, and perseverance that have helped move our mission forward and expand opportunities for the communities we serve.

From team members working directly with residents and families to those responding in moments of crisis, to the staff who ensure our programs, partnerships, and daily operations run smoothly- every role matters.

Much of this work happens behind the scenes: administrative support, planning, coordination, follow-ups, and countless tasks that ensure our mission continues to move forward year after year.

Today, we extend our sincere gratitude to the generations of employees who have shaped the Urban League of Union County into the organization it is today, and to the incredible team continuing that work.

Your professionalism, compassion, and dedication make our impact possible. Thank you for everything you do.

Our CEO, Crystal Orr, is always on the move- showing up where the conversations about our communities are happening.Last...
03/04/2026

Our CEO, Crystal Orr, is always on the move- showing up where the conversations about our communities are happening.

Last month, she joined Governor Mikie Sherrill and Lt. Governor Dale Caldwell at the Black History Month Program at Drumthwacket, the New Jersey Governor’s Mansion.

If you missed our announcement a few months ago, Crystal was also appointed to Governor Sherrill’s Transition Action Team as a member of the Interdisciplinary Advisory Task Force.

Moments like this matter. It takes leaders from government, community organizations, and across sectors working together to move our state forward.

We are proud to see Crystal representing the Urban League of Union County and advocating for the residents of Union County and communities across New Jersey.

02/28/2026

Today is the day!

We’re looking forward to seeing families, scholars, and community members for our Black Children’s Book Week activation, Creating Young Authors: The Writing and Reading Lab.

We are living in a time when Black books are being challenged and removed from shelves, and when our stories are too often questioned, minimized, or suppressed. That is exactly why this work matters. Our stories deserve to be written, read, protected, and passed down.

Legacy does not start in adulthood. It starts with our youth.

This interactive experience is designed for students to learn, engage, imagine, and create. We are not only encouraging children to read powerful stories. We are empowering them to become authors of their own.

We are grateful to partner with the Township of Hillside and the Hillside Public Library to bring this free opportunity to children ages 5–12. When local government, public institutions, and community organizations come together, impact multiplies.

Join us later today at the Hillside Recreation Center from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. as we culminate Black History Month and honor 100 years of celebrating Black history with action, ownership, and creativity. 📚

We look forward to seeing you there.

02/27/2026

HILLSIDE, NJ — Young readers and writers in Hillside will have the opportunity to tap into their creativity later during a special literacy celebration at the Hillside Recreation Center.The Urban...

Scholarship season is here, and if you are a high school senior, this is not the time to sit back.College costs are real...
02/27/2026

Scholarship season is here, and if you are a high school senior, this is not the time to sit back.

College costs are real. Student loan debt is real. But so are scholarships. And there is no such thing as too much scholarship money. Every award reduces the burden. Every application increases your odds. Every deadline you meet keeps options open.

Education still shifts trajectories for families and communities. The question is not whether you should apply. The question is how many you can submit before the deadlines hit.

Here are current opportunities listed in order of deadline:

February 27, 2026
North Jersey Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Scholarship
• High school seniors residing in Essex, Union or Hudson Counties
• 3.0 GPA (4.0 scale) or 80 QPA
• Planning to attend a four-year college or university

March 3, 2026
Hartz Foundation, Inc. Scholarship
• High school seniors in Middlesex or Union County
• Minimum 2.7 GPA

March 15, 2026
HACE Scholarships
• YouthBuild Scholarship
• John Robert Rumola Scholarships
• William D. Jones HBCU Scholarship
• Commissioners Scholarships

March 21, 2026 (11:59 PM)
Ivy Dream Foundation 2026 Scholarships
• Open to male and female high school seniors in Union County, New Jersey
• Includes General Scholarship, HBCU Scholarship, Book Award and named scholarships

April 15, 2026 (5 PM EST)
UNCF STEM Scholars Program (2026–2027)
• High school seniors entering college in Fall 2026
• Pursuing STEM majors
• Tiered scholarship funding up to $25,000 plus mentoring and academic support

April 17, 2026
Omicron Chi Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Scholarship
• Graduating seniors planning to attend a four-year college or university
• Special interest in STEM majors

April 17, 2026
Bayway Complex Community Advisory Panel Scholarship
• Seniors residing in Linden, Rahway, Elizabeth or Staten Island
• Pursuing Industrial/Process Technology, Computer Science or Engineering
• $2,000 awards

Ongoing / See Website
My HBCU Network Scholarships of the Week
• Multiple Divine Nine organization scholarships
• Visit www.myhbcunet.org for links!

Students: do not self-reject. Be encouraged and APPLY!
Educators and counselors: forward this to your seniors today.

Deadlines move quickly. Opportunity moves with them.

This week, we proudly join the celebration of Black Children’s Book Week.Representation in literature shapes imagination...
02/24/2026

This week, we proudly join the celebration of Black Children’s Book Week.

Representation in literature shapes imagination, confidence, and identity. When Black children see themselves reflected in stories, as dreamers, creators, leaders, and heroes, it reinforces that their voices matter and their stories deserve space.

In honor of Black Children’s Book Week, the Urban League of Union County, in partnership with the Township of Hillside and the Hillside Public Library, is hosting:

Creating Young Authors: The Writing and Reading Lab
Saturday, February 28, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Hillside Recreation Center
274 Hillside Avenue, Hillside, NJ

This free program is designed for children ages 5–12 and will provide a space for young minds to read, write, imagine, and create. It is an opportunity to nurture literacy, creativity, and confidence- all foundational tools for long-term academic and personal success.

As we celebrate Black children in literature this week, we are also investing in the next generation of authors, storytellers, and thinkers right here in Union County.

If you are a parent, educator, community partner, or volunteer looking to support youth development and literacy, we invite you to register or get involved at www.uloucnj.org.

Let’s continue building spaces where every child’s story is valued and amplified.

Due to inclement weather, our offices will remain closed today, Tuesday, February 24. Our team is still available via ph...
02/24/2026

Due to inclement weather, our offices will remain closed today, Tuesday, February 24. Our team is still available via phone and email to assist you. Please stay safe and contact emergency services for any urgent matters.

Due to the state of emergency declared in New Jersey related to severe weather conditions, our office will be fully clos...
02/23/2026

Due to the state of emergency declared in New Jersey related to severe weather conditions, our office will be fully closed today and Monday, February 23.

The safety of our community is our top priority. Please continue to stay safe and follow guidance from local emergency officials if assistance is needed.

We will provide updates regarding our reopening as soon as more information becomes available.

Take care and be well.

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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Our Story

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