county commissioners honor local leaders for african american history month

L to R: Cynthia Tucker, Comm'r President Carlos Pomares, Comm'r Wayne Richardson, Christy Crawford, Veronica Harris, Quamid Childs, Corey Anderson, Comm'r Brendan Gill, Comm'r Vice President A'Dorian Murray-Thomas.

(Newark, NJ) – February 27, 2026 – On Wednesday, February 25, the Essex County Board of County Commissioners held its annual celebration for African American History Month. This event celebrates the accomplishments of and honor outstanding Black and Brown men and women of Essex County for their unique contributions to the Essex community and society as a whole.

This year, the Board recognized Pastor Rev. Thurselle Williams of New Hope Baptist Church in East Orange, Christy Crawford and Veronica Harris of Montclair, Quamid Childs of Newark, and Corey Anderson of Bloomfield.

“On behalf of the Board, we are proud to celebrate these dedicated individuals, especially as powerful interests are attempting to undo civil rights progress and rewrite history. Our honorees’ good work is a testament to our resilience and determination to move the needle of our nation toward true liberty for all,” said Commissioner Vice President A’Dorian Murray-Thomas. “To our honorees, your accomplishments have made each of you great leaders. Against the backdrop of our history, and present day, of racial systemic injustice, we must continue to lift up and empower our communities who have been hurt the most.”

In addition to commendations and plaques from the Board of County Commissioners, honorees also received certificates of recognition from Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (CD-10) and State Senator Britnee Timberlake (LD-34). Pastor Williams delivered opening prayers during the occasion, and the audience was captivated by the musical talents of singer Cynthia Tucker.

See pictures of the event here:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1KS32Qm19F/

Watch a recording of the event here:

https://www.youtube.com/live/TmrwE8QmruQ?si=3duzgEBS47jssrUT

Honorees:

Rev. Thurselle C. Williams, presented by Commissioner Tyshammie L. Cooper, was installed as the 5th Senior Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in East Orange on September 29, 2024. In her heart are many desires, the greatest being her calling fulfilled in the Ministry of teaching and preaching. She was licensed and ordained as an Associate Minister of the New Hope Baptist Church of Newark, where she faithfully served in leadership since the age of 11-years-old. In that service, her leadership roles included Junior Trustee, Christian Educator, Youth Explosion Advisory Board, Assistant Director of New Members Ministry, Director of Evangelism, Weekend-Worship Director, Executive Board Member, and Pastor of College Ministries. Rev. Williams' commitment to Ministry and encouraging youth to begin their servitude at an early age led her to serve as Youth Pastor at the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church of Englewood, and subsequently the Director of Calvary Cares after-school program where she initiated several National programs including the "Keep the Lights On" campaign and a STEM program which focused on strengthening the Math and Science skills of elementary and middle school girls. In December of 2017, the Joint Board and Membership of New Hope Baptist Church unanimously elected Rev. Williams to serve as the Church's first Executive Pastor. She holds a Bachelor’s of sociology and African American studies from Rutgers University, a Certificate of Christian Ministry from New York Theological Seminary, and a Chaplain’s license. In the Spring of 2023, she earned a Master's of Divinity with a focus on Social Justice at Drew Theological Seminary, where she served as the Treasurer of the Black Ministerial Caucus. She became one of the Pillar members of the Interfaith Action Movement, and she serves as the Interfaith Caucus Chair of the Democratic Convention of the State of New Jersey. On  June 8, 2024, Rev. Williams was elected as the fifth Pastor of the New Hope Baptist Church, and the first woman to hold the Senior Pastor position. Over the past twenty years, Rev. Williams has spoken at national and local Christian conferences, retreats, and churches. She is an advocate of holistic Christian living and through this advocacy, she also serves as a domestic violence educator and Certified Anger Management Specialist to the church and community. Through the grass roots work of "Zipporah" a faith based non-profit organization she is committed to "Restoration through Education", with a major focus on breaking the cycle of violence and addiction through one's faith walk. In the early days of the pandemic, Rev. Williams began the daily work of "Strength for the Day" (SFTD). SFTD is a daily online devotional that serves as a paraministry of strength. Out of all of the servitude Rev. Williams has been Godly inspired to give back, her most precious service is to her family and most especially her husband Robert, daughter Yasmine, and sons Gregory, Robert, Rakeim, and Rahzear.

Christy Crawford, presented by Commissioner Brendan W. Gill, is a senior director for the New York City Public Schools Computer Science Department focused on managing industry partnerships and professional learning to empower kids to become informed citizens in the digital and the real world. She helps educators, administrators and students understand how AI works, how to use it responsibly, and to critically examine issues related to bias, representation, and ethics. For more than a decade she taught kindergarten through 8th grade classes in Harlem and the Bronx. She was also a curriculum fellow for the New York City Computer Science for All Blueprint and an adjunct lecturer for pre-service educators at the City College of New York. Christy has been an education consultant and writer for companies such as Scholastic, BrainPOP, and Nickelodeon. Prior to teaching, she was an associate producer for various television networks. She is married to Craig Sullivan, and they have two sons, Cassius and Xavier. Christy and Craig have served Montclair public schools through various initiatives including IMANI, MFEE and MHS Black Parents. Christy is also a Jr. Teen Advisor for the Essex-Hudson Chapter of Jack and Jill Inc., an organization of mothers nurturing future African-American leaders via education and civic duty.

Veronica Harris, presented by Commissioner Brendan W. Gill, is a dedicated wife (to Vincent), mom (to Zoe and Elijah), and friend who grew up hearing that to whom much is given, much is not only expected, it's required. The desire to align her personal values with her profession prompted a pivot from her corporate role to education over a decade ago. Today, Veronica is CEO and Founder of Cocoon Coaching & Consulting which specializes in organizational talent strategy and coaching for leaders in school districts, charter management organizations, and non-profit settings. She is grateful to have found community in Montclair and, over the last several years, has served as Co-President of the Montclair High School PTA, MFEE liaison, MHS Black Parents, and volunteer organizational advisor to IMANI alongside her partner-in-service, Christy Crawford. She currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Montclair Public Library Foundation.

Quamid Childs, sponsored by Commissioner Robert Mercado and presented by Commissioner President Carlos M. Pomares, is a lifelong resident of Newark, a devoted husband, proud father to an 8-year-old, and a steadfast advocate for families and neighborhoods across the city he has called home for 47 years. His life’s work reflects an unwavering dedication to civic engagement, faith-based leadership, and the empowerment of future generations. Educated in the Newark Public School system during his elementary years, Quamid later graduated from Essex County Vocational and Technical High School in Bloomfield, New Jersey. He went on to earn an Associate’s Degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix, equipping him with the administrative insight and organizational discipline that continue to strengthen his community leadership. Professionally, he serves in the Essex County Register’s Office of Mortgages & Deeds, where he manages procurement operations, oversees vendor relations, ensures regulatory compliance, and supports the efficient functioning of a public office that serves residents daily. A faith-based leader and ordained minister with BET HaSHEM YHWH Worldwide Ministries in East Orange, Quamid assists the Senior Bishop in training and developing organizational leaders and ministers. His ministry extends internationally, having embarked on missionary tours to South Africa and Kenya, where he contributed to building leaders within BET HaSHEM YHWH Worldwide Ministries and spreading the Good News. Locally, his faith is demonstrated through action: championing education advocacy, youth mentorship, voter registration initiatives, and public safety efforts throughout Essex County. His mentorship has included service at the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center and with Sons of Someone Mentorship, reinforcing his belief in accountability, restoration, and second chances. In civic leadership, Quamid currently serves as North Ward Vice Chairman and as a member of the Essex County Democratic Committee. He previously served as Vice Chair of the Newark Supplemental Zoning Board, helping guide land-use decisions that directly impact families, housing stability, and community development. His commitment to cultural preservation and civic pride is reflected in his service as a board member of the Newark African American Day Parade, where he supports the celebration of heritage, unity, and excellence within Newark’s African American community. Further strengthening his commitment to educational equity and parent empowerment, Quamid completed leadership training through the Abbott Leadership Institute, deepening his understanding of education policy, school-community partnerships, and effective advocacy for children and families. Known for his thoughtful leadership, steady presence, and bringing diverse voices together around shared goals, Quamid leads with humility, conviction, and a love for Essex County. He firmly believes when families, schools, faith institutions, and neighbors work in harmony, children flourish and communities thrive. He is honored to serve and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the continued growth, resilience, and legacy of Essex County’s vibrant African American community.

Corey S. Anderson, presented by Commissioner President Carlos M. Pomares, is a dedicated community advocate whose long-standing commitment to service has made a lasting impact throughout Essex County. For the past five years, Corey has organized an annual block party that is free and open to the community, fostering connection, unity, and neighborhood pride. Corey also founded the Bloomfield Township Christmas parade, now in its fourth year, creating a beloved tradition that brings families, residents, and local organizations together. In addition to community-building initiatives, Corey has actively supported local small businesses by working to improve parking access and traffic flow, helping strengthen the local economy and promote safe, accessible commerce. Corey’s service extends deeply into advocacy work, having volunteered for a 501(c)(3) nonprofit domestic violence organization for over 16 years. As a certified Domestic Violence Advocate, Corey has provided support, resources, and compassion to individuals and families in need. Corey has also been a committed member of Protecting God’s Children through Catholic Charities for the past 10 years, further demonstrating a lifelong dedication to service, protection, and community well-being.