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2024 ULEC R.E.D. GALA HONOREES

Diversity Champion Award

Honorable Gary S. Stein

Corporate Citizen Award

PNC Grow Up Great

Community Impact Award

Mosaic (NJ Advance Media)

William M. Ashby Award

Source of Knowledge Bookstore

Whitney M. Young, Jr. Award

Dr. Charles M. Payne

LITERACY CRISIS -- THE URGENCY OF NOW

More than 80 percent of third graders in Newark district schools cannot read on grade level.  At five district schools, just one third grader passed the state reading exam last Spring.  At five other schools, just three third graders passed.  Large numbers of young people, both those who are enrolled in school and those who have dropped out or graduated, lack the skills that are critical to their future — the ability to read, write, speak, and think well enough to meet the demands of employment, higher learning, and active citizenship.

Turning this trend around will be a significant challenge; one that urban communities feel the urgency to meet. Improving schools is a critical part of the answer. Helping schools to improve literacy development will require involvement and pressure from all sectors.  Supporting students to focus upon and develop the literacy habits and skills they need to be successful will require a multi-pronged concerted effort—one that includes schools, families, community organizations, businesses, policymakers, and youth themselves.  It will take engaging, motivating, and supporting multiple stakeholders to simultaneously take action and build upon existing capacities to make literacy development a community-wide priority.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE URBAN LEAGUE'S RESPONSE AND OUR LITERACY CENTER LAUNCH (FALL 2025)

Learn about the Urban League's response and our literacy center launch (Fall 2025)

Partners:
A Flat Entertainment (Band)
Aaron Associates
All White Tux Photography
Audible
Green Glass Films
GSM Sports and Memorabilia, Inc.
Metropolitan Baptist Church
Printing Delite
Romeo Lerro Trophies

MEET OUR EVENT HOST - CHUCK LOTT

A native of Flint, Michigan, Chuck Lott brings a wide range of event hosting experience spanning nearly 20 years. Chuck has delivered memorable experiences serving as emcee and auctioneer at galas for the March of Dimes, Surgeons of Hope, The Guide Dog Foundation, and dozens of other charitable organizations. In the sports world, Chuck has delivered electrifying experiences at Madison Square Garden, MetLife Stadium, Lucas Oil Stadium, and Barclay’s Center to name a few. Whether it is live and in person or on TV with ESPN and FloSports, this former Urban League Black Scholar continues to share his gift and entertain audiences of all kinds.

LIVE MUSIC FROM THE SOUL EXPERIENCE BAND

Soul Experience Band is an energetic and dynamic 10-piece Midwest-based band, which is very versatile in Motown, R&B, Funk, and Jazz. Collectively this ensemble of players has multiple years of musical experience in various arenas.

Soul Experience Band consists of the following: a 3-piece horn section (Trumpet, Trombone, and Sax), rhythm section (Keyboards, Drums, Electric & Bass guitar), rounded out with Male & Female vocalists Reggie Britton, Katina Price and Brianna Price.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE URBAN LEAGUE OF ESSEX COUNTY

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Early Childhood Education

In 2023, we served 45 preschool students and 12 toddlers from September 2023 to February 2024.  We increased language and literacy scores by 45% for preschoolers, and 33% for toddlers.

107 years of serving Essex County, NJ and our work still continues.

This is #WhyWeExist

Eviction Diversion

In 2023, we disbursed over $300,000 in emergency cash and rental assistance keeping families from becoming homeless or evicted.

107 years of serving Essex County, NJ and our work still continues.

This is #WhyWeExist

Emergency Supportive Services

In 2023, we screened more than 1,200 individuals for emergency supportive services, which included housing and utility, food, access to computers, bus transportations cards, and immediate shelter

107 years of serving Essex County, NJ and our work still continues.

This is #WhyWeExist

https://ulec.org/

Food Pantry

In 2023, we provided over 17,500 lbs of food to over 225 families per week.

107 years of serving Essex County, NJ and our work still continues.

This is #WhyWeExist

ulec.org/food-pantry

Housing Counseling

In 2023, 125 people attended our First Time Homebuyer Workshops and we worked with First Time Homebuyers to receive down payment assistance ranging from $5,000 - $20,000.

107 years of serving Essex County, NJ and our work still continues.

This is #WhyWeExist

Neighborhood Revitalization

In 2023, our Kaboom Park renovation progress continued in Fairmount and we secured funding to complete the park in 2024.  We advocate for kids' playspace.  Thanks to the City of Newark and LISC.

107 years of serving Essex County, NJ and our work still continues.

This is #WhyWeExist

Pre-Apprenticeship Career Program (PACE)

In 2023, 65% of PACE graduates have gone on to work in the construction field and/or accepted into an apprenticeship program thanks to our Pre-Apprenticeship Career Program (PACE).

107 years of serving Essex County, NJ and our work still continues.

This is #WhyWeExist

Real Estate

In 2023, we continued development on two-family homes for our Phase II project.  These homes will make home ownership affordable at prices ranging from $142,500 - $190,000.

107 years of serving Essex County, NJ and our work still continues.

This is #WhyWeExist

Urban Youth Reentry Program

In 2023, we helped over 195 justice-involved youth with job readiness training, housing, and other case management support.  We also helped 28 participants enroll in Essex County College.

107 years of serving Essex County, NJ and our work still continues.

This is #WhyWeExist

Tech House

Since 2018, over 400 youth have participated in our Newark Kids Code program.  We continue to make upgrades to the Tech House and launched a summer tech camp that taught computer building, 3D printing, and filmmaking.

The Tech House is located at 152 Littleton Avenue, Newark, NJ.

107 years of serving Essex County, NJ and our work still continues.

This is #WhyWeExist

Urban Seniors Jobs Program

In 2023, 174 seniors completed online training in Excel. Word, and PowerPoint, and they completed over 600 courses.  120 seniors received new or updated resumes and approximately 40% exiting the program were place in jobs.

107 years of serving Essex County, NJ and our work still continues.

This is #WhyWeExist

The Urban League of Essex County's Mission Statement

The mission of the Urban League of Essex County is to assist African Americans and disadvantaged residents in the achievement of social and economic self-sufficiency.

We deliver on our mission through quality programs and services in education, youth development, job readiness, employment assistance, financial education and coaching, housing counseling services, and community building. 

THANK YOU

for your continued support in making a difference in the lives of community families.

GALA CONTACT INFORMATION

Urban League of Essex County
2023 R.E.D. Gala Committee
508 Central Avenue, Newark, NJ  07107

Please e-mail us below with any Gala-related questions.

Email the Gala Committee