FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 12, 2026
CONTACT: Karina Diaz, Hudson County Executive’s Office
PHONE: 201-795-6200
Annual event recognizes residents for their contributions to public service, community advocacy, business, arts, and culture
JERSEY CITY, NJ — After being postponed due to the recent blizzard, Hudson County Executive Craig Guy proudly hosted the Annual Black History Month Celebration, bringing together hundreds of members of the African American community to honor the rich history, culture, and contributions of Black residents throughout the county.
County Executive Guy welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of recognizing the individuals whose leadership and service continue to shape Hudson County.
“This celebration is about honoring the legacy, resilience, and achievements of the African American community here in Hudson County. Black history is American history, and each year we proudly recognize leaders whose dedication to public service, advocacy, education, business, sports, and culture has made a lasting impact on our communities,” said Hudson County Executive Craig Guy. “This celebration reminds us that the story of Hudson County is strengthened by the voices, leadership, and cultural contributions of the African American community. We are proud to uplift these stories and honor those who continue to inspire the next generation.”
“This celebration highlights the powerful impact the African American community continues to have across Hudson County. I’m thankful for the community’s trust and support as we work to expand opportunity and strengthen our neighborhoods. I also appreciate Hudson County Executive Craig Guy for hosting this event and for his continued commitment to uplifting and investing in our African American communities,” said Assemblyman William B. Sampson (D-31).
“Black History Month is a time to reflect on the resilience, leadership, and lasting contributions of the African American community in Hudson County. I’m grateful for the continued support of residents who work every day to uplift our neighborhoods and inspire the next generation,” said Assemblyman Jerry Walker (D-31). “I also want to thank Hudson County Executive Craig Guy for keeping this annual tradition strong and for ensuring our community’s history and achievements are recognized and celebrated.”
During the celebration, seven distinguished members of the community were recognized for their impactful contributions across a range of fields including sports, public service, community advocacy, education, arts and culture, and small business.
Awards were presented to the following residents:
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Reverend Anthony “Rev” Forbes – 2026 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award
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Darlene Annette Green – 2026 Coretta Scott King Humanitarian Award
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Colette Jackson-Belle – 2026 Rhudell Snelling, Sr. Community Service Award
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Alvin Dwight Pettit Jr. – 2026 Hudson County Public Service Award
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Qaadia Roberts – 2026 Hudson County Positive Impact Award
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John Gichuru – 2026 Hudson County Business for Social Change Award
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Jean Mentor – Citation Recipient for Continued Service to North Bergen and Hudson County
The program also featured powerful performances that reflected the spirit of the celebration. Musical selections included “Optimistic” by Trey McLaughlin and Sounds of Blackness, and “Everybody Rejoice” from The Wiz, performed by the High-Tech High School Choir. The audience also enjoyed a moving performance of excerpts from speeches by Jesse Jackson, delivered by High Tech High School student Ariyanna Greene.
For photos of the flag raising, click here.
For video of the flag raising, click here.
Listed below are the biographies of the honorees:
Rev. Anthony “Rev” Forbes, Hoboken – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award
Rev. Anthony “REV” Forbes grew up 1 of 8 children in Hoboken, NJ. He excelled at basketball/football; earned Athlete of the Year in 1988; and attended college on a football scholarship.
After college, he joined HealthFirst; worked in the industry for 14 years as a top corporate executive; and earned over 6 figures/year.
In 2003, God started to speak to his heart and had other plans for him. He attended seminary school, became ordained as a Reverend, and earned a Doctorate in Biblical Studies.
He currently serves as The Hoboken Shelter’s Community Engagement/Outreach/Facility Manager; Street Life Ministry’s Founder/Pastor/Executive Director, a nonprofit dedicated to serving street-dwelling homeless with focus on at-risk youth and members of the LGBTQ+ community; and serves on the Hoboken Housing Authority Board.
Darlene Annette Green, Jersey City – Coretta Scott King Humanitarian Award
Darlene A. Green is a lifelong resident of Jersey City and proudly resides in the home where she was raised. A product of the Jersey City public school system, she has dedicated her life to public service, community advocacy, and problem-solving.
Darlene serves as a Hudson County State Committeewoman, Jersey City Democratic Organization (JCDO) Committeewoman/Ward Leader, and Recording Secretary for the Hudson County Executive Board. She is also a paralegal and a trusted community-oriented liaison to her ward council, where she assists constituents in navigating concerns and accessing resources.
An advocate for solutions-driven leadership, Darlene continues the legacy of her late father, Bishop Richard J. Green, Jr., through community leadership and volunteer service, including ongoing work with a local food pantry. Her commitment to service, equity, and grassroots engagement remains at the core of everything she does.
Colette Jackson-Belle – Rhudell Snelling Sr. Community Service Award
Colette Jackson-Belle is a passionate advocate for the performing arts and a dedicated educator, currently serving as the Musical Theater teacher at High Tech High School. Colette has established herself as a leading figure in arts education, inspiring countless students to explore their creativity and develop their talents.
Before her current role, Colette spent four years as a Vocal Music Consultant for the district, where she nurtured vocal talent and enhanced music programs at both the high school and middle school. Additionally, she is the proud owner of Studio 31, a performing arts school she founded 20 years ago, which has become a cornerstone for aspiring artists. For 13 years she served as the Director of theater at Ms. Huguette’s Broadway Dance and Theater, where she cultivated a love for musical theater among her students.
Colette’s own musical training is as impressive as her career. A professional vocalist, she studied at prestigious institutions including Manhattan School of Music and Westminster Choir College. Under the guidance of esteemed mentors such as Sharon Sweet, Dr. Melanie Mitrano, Phoebe Snow, and Mario Lisanti, Colette honed her craft and has since graced renowned stages like Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center, showcasing her talent over a 20-year professional career.
For the past 15 years, Colette has directed numerous musical theater productions, bringing her vision and expertise to life on stage. Beyond her artistic contributions, she is deeply committed to community service and social justice. As the chairperson of the Bayonne Youth Center, a nonprofit organization, Colette works tirelessly to ensure that music and theater arts are accessible to all students. The Bayonne Youth Center offers free music lessons and two musical theater productions annually to students throughout Hudson County, reflecting her belief that every child deserves the opportunity to express themselves through the arts.
In addition to her work at the Bayonne Youth Center, Colette serves as the chairperson of the Newark NAACP’s ACT-SO Program, a national competition program that mentors youth in 33 various fields of study. A past national ACT-SO winner in classical voice, Colette now dedicates her time to guiding the next generation of musicians, instilling in them the same passion for the arts that has defined her own journey.
Her unwavering dedication to arts education and community empowerment has earned her numerous honors, including the prestigious NAACP President’s Award and the Bayonne Historical Society’s Woman of Achievement. Through her leadership, mentorship, and artistry, Colette Jackson-Belle continues to leave a profound and lasting impact on the lives of young people and the communities she serves.
Alvin Dwight Pettit, Jr. – Hudson County Public Service Award
Alvin Dwight Pettit Jr. has been an established figure in the art world for over three decades. He developed his reputation by producing works for clients such as NBC, Today’s Black Woman Magazine, the New York Museum of Natural History, Macy’s Parade, Saks Fifth Avenue, and more.
In 2013, Pettit was appointed as Director of the Mary McLeod Bethune Life Center and has transformed it into one of the most revered cultural centers in Jersey City.
Pettit created Jersey City’s 11.5-foot Mary McLeod Bethune Monument in 2021, and was recently selected by the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to create the 15-foot Harriet Tubman Monument for City Hall. He is also designing a 9-foot sculpture of the LGBTQ+ icon Marsha P. Johnson for Hoboken, New Jersey.
Qaadia Roberts, Jersey City – Hudson County Positive Impact Award
Qaadia M. Roberts is a lifelong Jersey City native with more than two decades of service within Jersey City Municipal Government and the New Jersey State Judicial System, where she has worked to advance access, equity, and justice for youth and families. Guided by a deep commitment to service and a desire to ensure young girls feel supported, seen, and empowered, Qaadia founded She Is Incorporated in 2015, a 501(c)(3) girls’ empowerment and mentoring organization serving girls ages 10–18.
She Is provides leadership development, life-skills training, and wellness-centered programming designed to cultivate confidence, resilience, and purpose. In September 2023, Qaadia was appointed 1st Vice President of the Jersey City NAACP and Chairwoman of WIN (Women in the NAACP), where she continues to uplift women and strengthen communities through advocacy, mentorship, and service-driven leadership.
John Gichuru – Hudson County Business for Social Change Award
John’s commitment to community is second to none. Through regular cultural, community, artist, and literature connections and lively events in his cafe, he models how rooted and committed he is to the Heights section of Jersey City and Hudson County. He takes great pride in offering diverse cuisines at his cafe, which patrons rave about.
John, along with his business partner Victor, have made Griot Cafe a community center, including several community outreach collaborations through turkey giveaways, artist collaborations, “coffee with a cop”, Central Ave SID events, and the annual Riverview Neighborhood Association Holiday Party. John’s a proud black professional and outstanding citizen who constantly looks to help all in our community and promote the freedoms we enjoy in Hudson County.
Jean Mentor – Citation Recipient for Continued Service to North Bergen and Hudson County
Jean Mentor is a 35-year resident of North Bergen in Hudson County and is of African American and Haitian descent. He has worked in the community as a security guard for the North Bergen School district since 2014 and became an Assistant Director of Security in June of 2025.
He is proud of his heritage and is well-known throughout North Bergen. He assists the public as a duly elected Committeeman, handling concerns from neighbors and those in need. He knows that being a minority is difficult but the diversity of Hudson County and North Bergen has made things much easier. He is a vocal supporter of black life, history, and our culture.