For Immediate Release Contact: Teresa Ruiz

February 20, 2004 973-621-4404

Caryl Lucas

973-621-1590

ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE DIVINCENZO CELEBRATES

AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH

Reverend William Watley, CEO & Secretary of NJ Commerce, and

Hon. Paula Dow, Essex County Prosecutor, Honored as Recipients of the Essex County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Awards

Newark, NJ – As the pulsating sounds of the Steele Rhythms band filled the first-floor lobby at the Hall of Records, Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. hosted the County’s African-American History Month Celebration at the Hall of Records on Friday, February 20, 2004.

“Our African-American History Month Celebration marks the first in a series of cultural activities that will be celebrated throughout the year,” DiVincenzo said. “Essex County is special and unique because of the mosaic of cultures that is reflected throughout our communities. It is great when we have an opportunity to come together to observe and celebrate the contributions, spirit, and culture of all Americans,” he added.

During the celebration, the County Executive presented the “Essex County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Awards” to the Honorable Paula T. Dow, Essex County Prosecutor, and the Rev. Dr. William D. Watley, CEO and Secretary of the New Jersey Commerce and Economic Growth Commission.

As DiVincenzo presented the awards, he noted: “I am honored to present the Essex County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Awards to Paula Dow and Rev. Watley, two outstanding and deserving African-American leaders. Their spirit and commitment to making a difference in our society embodies the principles of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” DiVincenzo said.

“If anyone is deserving of this leadership award, it’s Rev. Watley. He certainly is one of our present day civil rights champions,” DiVincenzo said. Watley, who is the pastor of St. James AME Church in Newark, is the first African-American to be appointed as Chief Executive Officer and Secretary of the New Jersey Commerce & Economic Growth Commission. He was named to the post by Governor James McGreevy in January 2002.

During his two years in office, Watley was instrumental in making reforms to the Business Employment Incentive Program and the state’s Set-Aside Program. He also embarked on a historic 12-day trade and investment mission to Ghana and South Africa.

“Secretary Watley is not only a devoted minister, but also a distinguished business leader and educator who continues to keep Dr. King’s dream alive today by fighting for justice and equality for all,” DiVincenzo added.

“I want to thank County Executive DiVincenzo for acknowledging my efforts to enhance communities in Essex County,” Watley said. “My dedication to our communities is two-fold, as pastor of St. James AME Church, which has been an essential neighbor in Newark, and as the Commerce Secretary, intent on building strong public and private business relationships,” he added.

Paula Dow, who was named the Acting Essex County Prosecutor by Governor James McGreevy on September 11, 2003, also received the 2004 Essex County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Award. Prior to becoming the Acting Essex County Prosecutor, Dow worked in the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, where she served for nine years.

“Our prosecutor is an outstanding leader whose achievements in the legal profession and community are exemplary,” DiVincenzo said. “We are proud Paula has joined the Essex County family and has accepted the charge to lead the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. She is a dynamic attorney and asset to our County and State,” he added.

“This award bears the name of someone who personifies commitment and leadership for members of all faiths, races and backgrounds,” Dow said. “He is a man I personally admire and it is especially gratifying to receive this award in Dr. King’s name from the County Executive, who has demonstrated his own commitment to serve the people of Essex County,” she noted.

After recognizing Watley and Dow’s accomplishments over the years, DiVincenzo presented the two African-American leaders with special plaques and African statues from Zimbabwe, East Africa, and Burkina Faso, West Africa. The African pieces were donated by Balozi Harvey, Director of the Essex County Office of Cultural Diversity & Affirmative Action and Executive Director of the Economic Development Corporation.

“We are elated that the County Executive recognized Rev. Watley and Paula Dow,” said Harvey, who commended the two leaders for their longstanding commitments to improving quality of life for all citizens. “They are assets to our African-American communities, and society as a whole,” Harvey said.

Essex County College Professor Dr. Lenworth Gunther, a noted African-American historian, served as the guest speaker during the cultural celebration, which kicked off the County’s new calendar of cultural events celebrating the diversity of Essex County citizens and residents. As part of this year’s festivities, the lobby was transformed into a mini exhibit of rich African art work from across the continent.

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