County Honors Irvington Resident For Black History Month

Newark NJ

28 February, 2022

12:14 PM

Description

IRVINGTON, NJ — An Irvington resident is one of four people recently honored by the county in tribute to Black History Month. Earlier in February, the Essex County Board of County Commissioners held its 2022 African-American History Month Celebration via Zoom. Watch the video below. The ceremony commemorates the "heritage, culture, resilience and spirit of the African-American community," and acknowledges the contributions of Essex County's African-American residents. This year, the board recognized four outstanding Essex County residents for their leadership: Lionel Leach of Irvington, Annette Strickland of Montclair, Johanna L. Wright of South Orange, and the Honorable Roger M. Yancey, Esq. (posthumously) of Newark. The board provided the following background about Leach: "Lionel Leach is the Head Coach of the men's and women's cross country and men's and women's track and field teams at Essex County College. Over the past four years, he has built up the number of student-athletes in both sports and helped them achieve success on and off the field. Prior to joining Essex County College as a coach, he was elected to the Board of Directors of USA Track & Field, and became the first African-American National Chairman of Youth Programs. Under his tenure, the USA Track & Field youth program became the largest track & field program in the world with over 92,000 athletes from the ages of 8- 18 years of age. Among his many accomplishments during his 36 plus years of coaching, he has coached 7 Olympians, 5 NJCAA All – Americans, 6 Women Colgate Games champions, won 5 NJCAA Region 19 cross-country championships, and in 2021 was named Atlantic Region Cross Country Coach of the Year." "In our communities of color, we continue to lend a sensitive ear, a supportive hand, and a resounding voice to issues affecting those who are marginalized on the local and national front," Commissioner President Wayne Richardson said. "We understand the struggle continues," Richardson said. "Each February, our nation celebrates the spirit and dynamic leadership of African-Americans, both past and present," Richardson added. "As a Black man, it is important to me that our contributions are celebrated both large and small because each of us are significant to the success of our communities." Send local news tips and correction requests to [email protected] Sign up for Patch email newsletters. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site.