Urban League of Union County, Inc.

02/20/2026

In recognition of National Entrepreneurship Week currently being observed, we are proud to highlight the impact of our 2026 Black Business Expo, held at Shiloh Baptist Church in Plainfield, NJ.

The Expo convened over 40 Black-owned businesses alongside entrepreneurs, elected officials and community leaders for a day centered on networking, innovation and economic empowerment.

This year’s event featured a Business Pitch Competition in place of the traditional panel discussion, providing entrepreneurs with a competitive platform to showcase their ideas and secure funding. Sponsored by the Urban League of Union County with support from MGL Consulting Group and Murdochee Louis, contestants submitted pitch videos reviewed by CEO Crystal Orr, Mayor Adrian Mapp and Rev. Dr. Danielle Brown.

Two finalists were selected to present live at the Expo. Danielle Cole received first place and a $1,500 award, while Akira Wood earned second place and $500.
Entrepreneurship plays a critical role in boosting Union County’s local economy. When small businesses thrive, they generate jobs, circulate revenue locally and help families build long-term economic stability.

We extend sincere gratitude to Shiloh Baptist Church and our community partners Mayor Adrian Mapp, Rev. Dr. Danielle Brown, Pat Fields, Ty Gaines, Michele Tucker, the City of Plainfield and the Plainfield Cultural & Heritage Commission for their continued commitment to uplifting Black-owned businesses and fostering economic growth.

Advancing economic self-reliance remains core to our mission, and we will continue creating platforms that move entrepreneurs forward.

02/20/2026

More coverage of our upcoming You Be The Solution competition happening tomorrow!

The You Be The Solution™ New Jersey Regional Challenge 2025 (formerly the You Be The Chemist Competition)—organized by the Urban League of Union County and BASF—will take place on February 21.

02/16/2026

Homeownership remains one of the strongest pathways to building generational wealth, yet many families never receive clear guidance on where to begin.

Our First-Time Homebuyer Class is designed to change that.

Over three virtual sessions, participants will learn:
• The 15 steps to homeownership
• How credit scores and reports impact your buying power
• Loan products including VA, FHA, and Conventional
• Down Payment Assistance programs
• Key documents such as the Loan Estimate and Closing Statement

Classes will be held:
Thursday, February 19 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Friday, February 20 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Saturday, February 21 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM

Participants must attend all three sessions.

Registration closes Tuesday, February 17.
Contact 908-351-7200 or UrbanLeague@ULOUCNJ.org to register.

02/12/2026

One of our most anticipated youth events of the year is back!

The 2026 New Jersey Regional You Be The Solution Challenge is returning to Union County, and every year the turnout grows. Middle school students from across the region come ready to compete, experiment and demonstrate their STEM knowledge in an atmosphere filled with pride and excitement.

This event reflects our commitment to education, opportunity and building pathways for long-term success. When our youth are given the tools, exposure and encouragement to explore science and innovation, they rise to the challenge every time.

We invite you to join us on Saturday, February 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rahway Recreation Center. Admission is free.

We are also seeking dedicated volunteers to help make this event seamless and impactful. From welcoming families to supporting logistics throughout the day, your time and presence matter.

If you believe in empowering young people and strengthening our community, step forward. Register to attend or sign up to volunteer at uloucnj.org.

02/10/2026

Did you know?

Literary icon Zora Neale Hurston has ties to Union County.

During the 1930s, Hurston was a resident of Westfield, New Jersey, where she continued her work as a writer, anthropologist, and cultural preservationist. She was best known for Their Eyes Were Watching God, but she was a leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance and one of the most important voices in Black literature.

Her work centered Black life, Black language, and Black culture at a time when those stories were often dismissed or erased. Beyond her novels, Hurston made lasting contributions through her research documenting African American folklore, oral histories, and traditions across the South and the Caribbean.

As you see, Black history lives here, too, and Union County has played a role in shaping some of our most influential voices.

02/07/2026

Hampton University Choir

02/05/2026

Thinking about buying a home but not sure where to start?

The Urban League of Union County is hosting FREE First-Time Homebuyer Classes from February 19 through February 21 to help you understand the process step by step and move forward with confidence.

These virtual classes cover credit readiness, mortgage and loan options including FHA, VA, and conventional programs, down payment assistance, and the documents you need from pre-approval through closing. Whether homeownership is right around the corner or still a goal you’re working toward, this class is designed to meet you where you are.

If you’re ready to move from renting to owning, or know someone who is, this is a great place to start. Registration is required, and all three sessions must be attended.

Be sure to RSVP by Tuesday, February 17, to secure your spot!

02/04/2026

We’re proud to partner with The NJ Gathering happening this weekend, and we need your support in this final push.

New Jersey does not have an HBCU, which makes this event especially important. The NJ Gathering brings HBCU culture, music, and history into our state, creating access and exposure for students, families, and community members who may not otherwise experience it.

With over 400 RSVPs already, this Black History Month celebration uses Black music as a bridge to education, legacy, and opportunity. Through performances, workshops, and educational sessions, the weekend highlights the lasting impact of HBCUs while offering scholarships that support students’ academic and musical goals.

If you haven’t RSVP’d yet, now is the time. Bring a friend and be part of a moment that celebrates Black culture and invests in the future.

02/03/2026

Black history stretches across centuries and generations, and in 2026, we are proud to join communities across the country and around the world in marking 100 years of the official observance of Black History Month.

The observance began in 1926 as Negro History Week, created to ensure Black stories, achievements, and leadership were recognized and preserved. In 1976, it expanded into a monthlong national observance. Today, 100 years later, it remains a moment for reflection, celebration, and connection.

While Black history has always existed, this milestone reminds us of the importance of naming it, honoring it, and carrying it forward together.

We invite you to join us throughout February at our events and programs celebrating Black history and culture. Visit our website to learn more and see what’s coming up, we hope to see you there.

01/30/2026

We’re looking forward to kicking off Black History Month with one of our favorite annual traditions, in partnership with our friends at Shiloh Baptist Church.

This Sunday, we’ll be participating in the Black Business Expo, an opportunity to show up for Black-owned businesses and the entrepreneurs who sustain our local economy. With more than 40 businesses, a panel discussion, food, and more, the Expo is a reminder of what’s possible when community, creativity, and commerce come together. ✊🏿

In the spirit of cooperative economics, we’re intentional about keeping dollars circulating within our communities and supporting small and local businesses with the same energy and enthusiasm we give to larger-scale brands. You never know, you might discover your new favorite product, connect with a local entrepreneur, or spark a conversation that turns into something bigger.

We look forward to being there and hope to see you, too.

01/28/2026

We’re grateful to have partnered once again with our friends at Fountain Baptist Church for their MLK celebration last week, just before the snow. We always appreciate the opportunity to be in community with organizations and leaders doing meaningful work across Union County.

The legacy of Dr. King doesn’t live in a single day. It shows up every day through service, partnership, and the collective commitment to move our communities forward. It is always a privilege to stand alongside fellow leaders across New Jersey who continue that work.