Sponsored By: Union County Black Leadership Coalition (UCBLC)
In Partnership with
Union County Vo-Tech School District 

Honorary Chairs
Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. and Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman Freeholder Linda Carter
Freeholder Mohammad Jollah
Freeholder Angela Garretson, Chair
Assemblyman Jamel Holley 

2018 Jerry Green Essay Contest 

Press Release: 

The Union County Black Leadership Coalition hosts an essay contest honoring Jerry Green for students at Union County Vo-Tech School District 

February 28, 2018 

The Union County Black Leadership Coalition (UCBLC), in collaboration with the Union County Vocational-Technical School District (UCVTSD), has invited students to participate in an essay contest on the theme “Pioneering African-American Leaders and their Community Impact.” The contest was open to Vo-Tech students in all fields of study, as an opportunity for UCBLC to recognize Gerald “Jerry” B. Green. 

Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders Linda Carter, Mohammad Jollah and Angela Garretson, Assemblyman Jamal Holley and honorary essay chairs, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. and Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman united to celebrate Jerry Green as a Pioneering African-American Leader.  We are delighted to recognize six students from UCVTSD.  Each one of these select student essay excerpts below  is in recognition of our present day African-American leader from Union County. 

Alexia affirmed, “Jerry Green…empower(ed) youth and help(ed) …build a future where they can be leaders themselves.” 

Jordan’s essay conveyed, “Gearld B. Green, affectionately called “Jerry” by those who know him…certainly paved his own path to success.  This man was brought up in a community that honors him to this very day and found in that same community inspiration to help youth on other areas. He has given back not only to his community, but other communities as well…Mr. Green (‘s) mark on history and footsteps will be clear and visible to everyone who dares to follow his journey.” 

Deanna shared, “…besides making history, Jerry Green has substantially contributed to the aid of communities.” 

Kellie expressed, “Hard work and drive led to Green earning … high ranking positions, which set the stage for future politicians whose view on their own possibilities are expanded due to his accomplishments.  His generosity and contributions to the educational system of Union County display the extreme level of nobility he fosters and the notable influence his achievements have on others. “ 

Tiffany stated, “Assemblyman Green has been a major contributor to the good of New Jersey… and [has] a positive legacy.” 

Finally, Lily said, “…Pioneering African-American leaders have left their mark on U. S. history and as we dive into another pivotal age in American history, men like Jerry Green prepares…knowledge and success as a model for future leaders and pioneer.”   

“Assemblyman Green is a pioneering leader and we wanted to celebrate him during black history month,” stated essay contest chair, Freeholder Garretson. 

Green a pioneering public servant in the county and state is the first black chairman of the Union County Democratic Committee from 2013-2018 to hold the covenant title of first black Assemblyman in the state.  Currently, Green serves in the New Jersey General Assembly since 1992, where he represents the 22nd Legislative District (since 2002) and represented the 17th Legislative District (prior to 2002). Green has served as the Assembly’s Speaker Pro Tempore since 2008. He was Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore from 2004–2007 and was the Deputy Speaker from 2002-2003. Green serves in the Assembly on the Housing and Local Government (as Chair) and on the Health and Senior Services Committee. He is also a member of the Joint Committee on Housing Affordability. He is currently the longest-serving Assembly member in New Jersey. Assemblyman Green served on the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders from 1989–1991 and from 1982–1984, serving as the Board’s Chair in 1990. 

Green served on the Union County Planning Board, the Parks & Recreation Committee, and Human Services and Economic Development. He also served on the Union County Adolescent Substance Abuse Program, the Private Industry Council, the Union County Municipal Utilities Authority, and is an honorary member of the Union County Police Chiefs Association. Green was one of advocates for bringing the Union County College campus to Plainfield.  Assemblyman Green played a key role in securing over $12 million per year to the Plainfield school district nearly $200 million in construction dollars to renovate and build new schools. Green was one of the key sponsors of the bill that required institutions of higher education to install sprinklers in all dormitories.  Green was born in Roselle and is now a resident of Plainfield. 

The contest celebrates Assemblyman Green as a pioneering African American Leader for Black History Month. This joint initiative between UCBLC essay committee represented county, state and federal officials, in partnership with UCVTSD.