Hudson County Executive Craig Guy and the Board of County Commissioners celebrated Black History Month at the Historic Brennan Courthouse in Jersey City with a flag raising of the Pan-African Flag earlier this week. Hudson County is proud to celebrate Black History Month annually during the month of February to recognize the history, culture, and contributions of all Black Americans by raising the Pan-African flag.
During the flag raising event, Hudson County Executive Craig Guy stated, “I’m proud to stand beside Commissioner Jerry Walker and the Board of County Commissioners as we recognize and celebrate the dedicated contributions of Black Americans in Hudson County with this flag raising. Hudson County is proud to celebrate each of the honorees today with awards that highlight community-minded people and their steadfast commitment to making Hudson County better for everyone. Today, we not only acknowledge the great achievements of historical giants such as Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; we also see and celebrate the achievements of each Black Hudson County resident. From doctors, to educators, artists and musicians, to police officers and engineers, you are all integral to what makes our County so great!”
The County Executive will also host a Black History Month Celebration on Wednesday, February 12 at 6 pm at Secaucus’ Hudson County Schools of Technology, Frank J. Gargiulo Campus. The theme of this year’s event is “African Americans & Labor.” The presentation is open to the public and honors the achievements and history of each community-nominated individual with an evening of dinner, entertainment, and remarks by prominent figures in the county. From February 10th through the 28th, the Rotunda of the Historic Brennan Courthouse will feature an exhibit for Black History Month titled Strive: Four Inspirational Stories from Hudson County. The exhibit highlights the lives of four Hudson County residents who meaningfully contributed to the county’s educational, athletic, political, and cultural life: Sadie de Villis, Otis Davis, Cornelius Parker, and Joe Jannette.
For photos of the flag raising, click here.
For video of the flag raising, click here.
During Tuesday’s celebration, members of the community were honored at the flag raising. They will be honored during the Black History Month Celebration. Listed below are their biographies:
Celeste Williams, Jersey City – Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major AwardCeleste Williams is a dynamic community activist, and a dedicated youth advocate whose life mission is centered on supporting underprivileged communities. Holding a master’s in public administration, Celeste has devoted her life to service, education, and ministry. She is also a loving mother to her three children – Rodney, Racine, and Dy’Asia – and a minister of the Word of Christ Jesus.
In 2020, Celeste founded Caring Capable Hands Inc. with the goal to assist individuals and families with developmental disabilities. However, the tragic loss of her son in 2021 reshaped the mission of the organization, driving her to advocate for youth and young adults by helping them work through their trauma. Celeste is committed to providing activities that engage young people and meet them where they are, helping them navigate life’s challenges and find peace.
Her heart for advocacy is grounded in a deep passion for unity, reflected in her philosophy of “Us, We, and Ours.” Celeste believes in the power of community and works tirelessly to ensure that no one feels unheard or overlooked, creating spaces for healing and growth.
Caring Capable Hands Inc., under the leadership of Celeste Williams, has been instrumental in addressing the pressing issue of violence in our community, particularly gun violence. Through a variety of programs, including trauma support groups, mentoring, and youth engagement activities such as the Trauma to Peace Basketball Tournament and Talking and Balling workshops, they have created safe spaces for healing, education, and personal growth. Their holistic approach not only reduces violent incidents but also promotes long-term community healing and resilience.
Gloria Walker, Jersey City – Coretta Scott King Humanitarian Award
Gloria works diligently with Commissioner Jerry Walker to ensure all children are receiving the proper education. Ms. Walker takes pride in her community and is always alongside her mom Pastor Carole Walker during her sermons and preaching. Gloria is considered the go-to resident in Ward A if you need something done as she is willing and able immediately to help find the resources to get whatever the job is done. She currently runs the senior, veteran food distribution in the Department of Aging and Veterans Affairs, and her goal is to assist the county in making sure no one in our county goes without food. She empowers the Black community with strength to assist individuals through social change, family issues, mental health, or poverty.
Rhudell Snelling Jr., Jersey City – Rhudell Snelling Sr. Community Service AwardRhudy Snelling was born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey. Rhudy attended Henry Snyder High School, and after graduation Rhudy was awarded an academic achievement award from the American Legion. In 1987, Rhudy attended Caldwell College where his stay was brief, leaving to become a Hudson County Police Officer at just 19 years old. Rhudy promised his loved ones that he would return and complete his education.
In May 1996, Rhudy graduated from Rutgers University, Newark with his B.A. in Criminal Justice. In 1997 Rhudy made history in Hudson County as he became the first Black American Police Officer hired by the North Bergen Police Department. Rhudy returned to school in 1998 and graduated from Seton Hall University with a Graduate Degree in Education. That same year Rhudy was appointed to the Jersey City Human Rights Commission as a commissioner which is a position he held until the commission was abolished.
Although no longer assigned to homicide, he still aids and assists in homicide investigations. Rhudy, who many say has a call to aid his community, returned to college again, and in May 2009 Rhudy received a second Graduate Degree in Public Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Rhudy wanted to give back to his community by starting business administration classes at Bethune to assist and help countless student earn their degree in Business Administration.
Rev. Chester Banks, Bayonne – Hudson County Public Service Award
A human resources executive who has worked with several healthcare organizations as well as BCB Bank, Rev. Banks has a distinguished record of service within the Bayonne community. The Saint Peter’s College graduate is a board member and treasurer of the Bayonne Economic Opportunity Foundation (BEOF), a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Bayonne and is a participating clergy in the Bayonne Interfaith Coalition.
Rev. Banks is also affiliated with the Bayonne Branch NAACP as a Member and President, the Bayonne Economic Opportunity Foundation as a Board Member, the Rotary Club of Bayonne as a Member and former President, A Better Life Ministry in Jersey City as an Associate Pastor, the New Day Redeemer Church as Interim Associate Pastor, and the Liturgical Clergy Union as a Jersey City/Bayonne Member.
Shakera Rosa, Hoboken/Jersey City – Hudson County Positive Impact Award
Shakera Rosa was born and raised in Hoboken and currently resides in Jersey City. She is a wife and mother of two children, she is also an artist, entrepreneur, missionary, and community activist. She is the founder and social media influencer of the popular mom blog Mile Square Mommies, where she provides resources and event information for families, coordinating her community gatherings and events. She is also the founder and leader of J.U.M.P., which stands for Jubilee Urban Melanin Project, and is a community page highlighting black excellence, black families and businesses, specifically in but not limited to Hoboken and Jersey City.
Shakera attends Grace Christian Church & Ministries, Inc., where she has served as a Youth Leader, Event Coordinator, & Praise Dance Instructor for more than 20 years. Shakera, alongside her husband Robert, serves as Pantry Leaders of their church where they coordinate seasonal Food and Clothing Drives to donate to local shelters and their causes. In 2023, she was honored to be ordained as a licensed missionary under the leadership of Pastor Cameron Pryer & Co-Pastor Glendia Cannon.
Shakera has taught dance classes in the Hoboken Public School system, the former Jubilee Center, Mile Square Theater, Little Linguists Dual Language School, and for many weddings and special occasions in and around Hudson County. Shakera prides herself on being inspired by her grandparents, Rose & Wesley Burke, both sharecroppers who migrated to Hoboken to escape the Jim Crow South. Her grandfather, Esley Johnson Jr., an Army and war veteran, and her Native American grandmother, Myrtle Schevidayel, a descendant of the Lumbee Indigenous Tribe of North Carolina.