By: Lauren T. Agnew
On Wednesday, February 22, Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. hosted the 20th Annual African American History Month Celebration.
During the ceremony, the County Executive presented the Essex County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Award to East Orange Mayor Ted. R. Green and the Essex County Coretta Scott King Leadership Award to the NJ State Senator Renee C. Burgess.
The significant contributions of these two individuals to our community and their dedication genuinely capture the dignity and determination of Dr. King and his family.
"African American History Month is a special time of the year when we highlight the many contributions and achievements African Americans have made to our culture, economy, and daily lives throughout our history," DiVincenzo said.
"Mayor Ted Green and Senator Renee Burgess are role models who have dedicated their professional lives to public service and have significantly influenced government policies and improved the quality of life in their communities and throughout the State," he added.
Burgess has an extensive background in leadership and public service through elected and appointed positions in government and employment in the private sector. A lifelong resident of Irvington, she was a member of the Irvington Township Municipal Council from 2014 to 2022, serving as President for three years until she was appointed to the New Jersey State Senate to represent the 28th Legislative District.
As Senator, she has sponsored many bills to improve the lives of her constituents. She is a member of the Joint Committee on Housing Affordability (JCHA), Joint Committee on the Public Schools (JPS), Community and Urban Affairs (SCU), and Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens (SHH) committees.
Her path to elected office began in 2000 when she became the District Leader for Irvington's South Ward District 2. Burgess was later elected to the Irvington School Board, a position she held from 2003-2014, longer than any other member to date.
Her performance on the Board was acknowledged by her colleagues when they chose her to become the Vice President of the Board for one year and the Board's President for two terms. During her tenure on the Irvington School Board, Burgess successfully led the initiative for uniforms to be worn by all students in the school district.
She was also a prime proponent of improving the school district's football field, a place of pride for the community. Burgess received numerous awards and acknowledgments for her performance and leadership skills in these roles.
Burgess is a successful elected official and public servant who attributes her success to her faith and her family. She has been an active member of the Union Gospel Tabernacle in Newark for over 30 years, serving as a member of the church's Community Outreach Team and the Celestial Choir.
Burgess's strong foundation comes from her beloved parents, the late Sarah E. and Raymond C. Burgess, who were active in the community. The love, strength, and commitment to others continue through Renee Burgess' daughter, Giovana, a college graduate and current teacher at a Charter school in Newark.
Burgess has volunteered for many public service organizations and has been the recipient of several awards and honors. Burgess earned a Master's in Public Affairs and Administration from Metropolitan College of New York, a Bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership from Pillar College, and an Associate's in Business from Essex County College.
"Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream, and I am living that dream today. I am humbled by this honor and stand before you because of all the people I've worked with and those who helped me.
This means so much, and it warms my heart to see everyone assembled here today," Burgess said.
Green, an East Orange native, has been active in East Orange political and civic affairs for over 25 years and has distinguished himself as a professional in the field of property maintenance and housing revitalization.
On January 1, 2006, Green was sworn in as an East Orange City Council member representing the Third Ward. On the council, he served as Chairman of Business and Development for the city, and on January 1, 2015, he was elected as the Chairman of the East Orange City Council, a position he held for two years.
Three years later, he was sworn in as the 14th Mayor of the City of East Orange after winning 96 percent of the vote. Green currently oversees a $150 million budget. During his first year as Mayor, he saved the city over $140,000 and developed the hugely successful and widely recognized "Mayor on the Block" clean-up and community engagement initiative.
With members of Property Maintenance, Public Works, Health and Human Services, Public Safety, and Constituent Services, Green walks through each ward bi-weekly to assess residents' needs and concerns and address areas that need cleaning, rehabilitation, and improved safety.
His goal is to cover every block in every ward. Under his administration, crime decreased an additional 17 percent between 2018-2019, while an unprecedented $1 billion of private capital is currently being invested in the city.
Green has recognized the need for positive programs and activities for youth in East Orange. In 1990, he founded the Green School of Martial Arts to offer training, enrichment and mentoring programs, and cultural activities for his students.
As an elected official, he has expanded his involvement scope, implemented community outreach initiatives, and sponsored multiple pieces of legislation. He sponsored a Back-to-School initiative, and the "Fathers Walk" to allow the fathers of East Orange students to walk their children to school on the first day of school and meet their teachers, classmates, and other fathers in the community.
Green has received many citations, awards, and accolades for his exemplary commitment and dedication to community service.
He graduated from East Orange High School in 1981. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Cheyney University in Pennsylvania, a Housing Counselor certification from Rutgers University, and a Master's Degree in Human Services from Lincoln University.
A proud member of the Eta Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Green is married to June Green, the father of sons Eric Lamar and Salahuddin and the grandfather of four.
"I am honored that the County Executive is giving this honor to me. I can't thank him enough," Green said. "After speaking with Joe, I stepped back and thought of the great leadership of MLK. This award doesn't come to me alone. So many have helped me along the way," he added.
The African American History Month Celebration is part of a year-long cultural series created by County Executive DiVincenzo to highlight Essex County's diversity.
Other cultural celebrations highlight Irish, Italian, Jewish, Latino, and Portuguese heritage and Women's history.
