Tag Archives: Jersey City

Jersey City Ranks as 2nd Most Ethnically Diverse City in the Nation

2nd most diverse city in State of New Jersey

The Fulop Administration is proud to announce Jersey City has been recognized as the second most ethnically diverse city in the United States, according to a recent study by WalletHub.  The study evaluated over 500 of the largest U.S. cities, assessing key indicators such as ethnicity and race, language, and birthplace diversity.

As noted by Mayor Fulop “Our diverse community is one of our strongest assets, bringing together unique cultures, perspectives, and talents that sets us apart,” “This recognition highlights our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe and welcome with equal opportunities for all.”

Jersey City has consistently ranked among the top in previous years, often securing the first position.  In its findings, WalletHub points to several key aspects:

  • In Jersey City, white people are not the largest ethnic group, unlike in the country as a whole.
  • Hispanics make up the largest ethnic group in the city, at around 26%, while Asians are 25% of the population, White people are 24%, and Black people are 20%.
  • Many people in Jersey City speak foreign languages at home, which shows that people are preserving and passing down their cultures.

The city’s dedication to inclusivity is underscored by its status as a sanctuary city and the Fulop Administration’s establishment of the Division of Immigrant Affairs and Office of Diversity and Inclusion.  Additionally, the Mayor’s commitment to diversity recruitment has led to minority representation throughout all ranks in the police and fire departments.  These efforts support diverse communities by providing resources and services that promote integration and equal opportunity.

As Jersey City continues to evolve, its diverse population remains a cornerstone of its identity, driving cultural enrichment and economic growth.

To view the full study, visit Wallethub.com.

Jersey City Mayor Fulop Delivered his 2024-2025 State of the City Address as He Begins His Final Year in Office

Fulop delivers last State of the City Message

Mayor Steven M. Fulop delivered his 11th annual State of the City address to a large crowd inside City Hall Council Chambers Thursday night, outlining a bold vision for the future of Jersey City and highlighting the city’s accomplishments over the past year.

In his live-streamed address, Mayor Fulop celebrated the historic progress made over the past 12 years in office, raising the bar for what governments can achieve at every level and establishing Jersey City as the economic backbone for the state of New Jersey.

Mayor Fulop credited the community partnerships, department leaders, and city employees for driving progress and putting the administration’s bold ideas into action.  “Twelve years ago, we set out to make Jersey City a model for urban success. Today, we stand together as a city transformed, a place where families thrive, businesses flourish, and opportunities exist for everyone.”

Notable 2024 highlights from the State of the City address include:

Art House Productions’ Snow Ball Gala: Entertainment Lineup, Festivities & Honorees

Art House Productions Snowball Entertainment 2025

Come one, come all to the magical Snow Ball! Art House Productions and presenting sponsor SILVERMAN proudly announce the 17th Annual Snow Ball Gala on Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 8 PM to 11 PM, with an exclusive VIP Honoree Dinner starting at 6 PM. The event will be held at Hudson County Community College’s Culinary Arts School and Conference Center, 161 Newkirk St, Jersey City, NJ 07306. This year’s theme, Spectacle of Wonder, brings the enchantment of the circus to life as we celebrate the vibrant arts and culture scene in Jersey City and honor the incredible individuals who champion Art House Productions’ mission to support artists and enrich Hudson County through exceptional arts programming. Creative black-tie attire is encouraged.

Art House is thrilled to honor the following outstanding contributors to Jersey City’s arts community:

  • Hudson County Executive: Craig Guy
  • Jersey City LGBTQ+ Pride Festival Producer: Eddie Baez
  • Executive Director of the Historic Downtown Special Improvement District (HDSID): Rachel Sieg
  • Artist, Curator, and Arts Advocate: Bryant Small
  • President and CEO of Jersey City Medical Center RWJ Barnabas Health: Michael Prilutsky

HCCC’s Hudson Scholars Program Thrives with $100,000 Investment of Provident Bank Foundation

Caption: With the support of a $100,000 grant from the Provident Bank Foundation, the Hudson Scholars Program has created significantly improved outcomes for hundreds of HCCC students. Pictured: Hudson Scholars graduates at HCCC’s 2024 Commencement.  

The Signature Grant helped the College’s award-winning program expand academic opportunities and improve student success through an innovative approach.

A $100,000 Signature Grant from Provident Bank Foundation (PBF) made a profound impact on the lives of over 400 Hudson County Community College (HCCC) students who participated in the award-winning Hudson Scholars program and are now HCCC graduates.

In 2023, PBF awarded a series of $100,000 Signature Grants for three different funding priorities: Education; Community Enrichment; and Health, Youth, & Families. The grants fund the creation or expansion of innovative programs that address systemic challenges in our communities and their root causes.

Fulop Administration & New Jersey Symphony Announce New Permanent Headquarters & Performance Hall Located in Jersey City for Premier Symphony Orchestra Fulop Administration

New 550+ Seat Venue in Jersey City to Focus on both Live Performances and Continued Inner City Youth Education

Mayor Steven M. Fulop and the New Jersey Symphony announced today the renowned Symphony’s relocation to a new state-of-the-art, 44,000-square-foot theater in Jersey City’s downtown Powerhouse Arts District. 

Today’s announcement marks an important new chapter for the Symphony and Jersey City, offering a dedicated permanent location that will serve the local community and contribute to the Symphony’s ongoing activities across the state.

Jersey City’s Pet Project gets Boost from NBCUni “Clear the Shelters” Campaign, Helping Shelter Animals Find Forever Homes & $100k in Matching Donations

Jersey City pet services

Jersey City Animal Care and Control (JCACC) has joined NBCUniversal Local’s 10th annual Clear the Shelters pet adoption and donation campaign from August 10 through September 10.  Since its inception in 2015, Clear the Shelters has helped more than one million pets find new homes and raised millions of dollars for participating shelters and rescues.? Animal shelters and rescues across the country are facing economic hardships due to a historically high number of pet surrenders and feral overpopulation.

This year, Greater Good Charities, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, and The Animal Rescue Site are joining NBCUniversal Local’s Clear the Shelters™ pet adoption and donation campaign.  They have teamed up to help raise funds for participating animal welfare organizations across the country via ClearTheSheltersFund.org. For the next two weeks, they will contribute $100,000 in matching donation dollars.

Jersey City has enlisted the expertise of Behavior Plus to work bi-weekly with our staff and animals to enrich, maintain, and develop adoptability.  On-site veterinarians perform routine and emergency medical care for the animals in the shelter’s care.

Mayor Steven M. Fulop put Jersey City’s new shelter under the care of Health and Human Services last winter and has watched closely as the new management, who answers directly to the mayor, is improving the lives of surrendered and stray animals. “The shelter is now open and accessible to residents six days a week or with an appointment.  Additionally, we continue to add new services to improve the lives of strays and pets that end up in the shelter.”

As part of these efforts, the JCACC will take its pets public on September 8 with an event on Barrow Street to help find homes for shelter animals.  Residents will be able to meet and adopt our four-legged shelter friends. Working with the HSS’s Partnership for a Healthier JC, the Historic Downtown SID, K-9dergarden, Fussy Friends, Barky Way, and Hound About Town, the JCACC will offer adoptions free for qualified pet parents. Adoption fees are dropped to $10 in the weeks up until the event, and there are no adoption fees for veterans or seniors who want to bring some love into their lives.

“The goal is to find homes for as many of our wonderful dogs and cats as possible, says HHS Director Stacey Flanagan, “Jersey City residents have big hearts and love animals, and now is the time when their generosity can be doubled.”

To contribute, go to the Jersey City Animal Care & Control donation page.  This year’s donation page was built courtesy of Fundraise Up, an online donation platform that helps nonprofits grow revenue.  When donating to the Clear the Shelters Fund, donors have the option to cover transaction fees with their donation so that 100% goes directly to the shelter or rescue of their choice.

About Jersey City Animal Care & Control

On January 1, 2024, Jersey City launched a full-service Animal Care and Control shelter to ensure the humane treatment for animals in need by establishing 24/7 operations, on-site dog licensing with adoptions, expanding operating hours for more public access, and working with the community to create a robust volunteer program.

The Mercy House Gives Away 500+ Backpacks, and School Supplies to Children in Need

Mercy House Director Cheryl A. Riley (right) joined staff and volunteers in handing out over 300 backpacks to families in need during The Mercy House’s annual Back-to-School Giveaway at its Newark location on August 13, 2024. (Photo by Archdiocese of Newark/Sean Quinn)

Ahead of the rapidly approaching school year, the Archdiocese of Newark’s Mercy House distributed over 500 new backpacks filled with school supplies during its annual Back-to-School Giveaway at locations in Newark, Jersey City, and Elizabeth this month.

More than 300 backpacks were handed out in Newark on August 13, while approximately 100 were given away in both Jersey City on August 15 and Elizabeth on August 16. The backpacks came in a variety of colors, so each child went home with a design they liked. They were also stuffed with classroom essentials, from pencils to crayons to glue sticks.

“The Mercy House lives out the Catholic Church’s mission to help everyone in need. In this case, we knew families desperately needed items they couldn’t afford for the new school year, so we made sure they got everything and then some,” said Cheryl A. Riley, director of The Mercy House, who credited archdiocesan parishes and a few outside organizations with donating the school supplies. “Nothing beats putting smiles on children’s faces, and that’s what we did at this giveaway.”

While picking up classroom essentials, families at the giveaway also received free cups of Italian ice, and several families won prizes raffled at each site. The donated prizes and gifts included dolls, trucks, and water toys.

Founded in 2018, The Mercy House provides nonperishable food, clothing, baby supplies, furniture, and help finding work and housing for anyone in need. Its three locations in Newark, Jersey City, and Elizabeth each serve roughly 300 people weekly. If you would like to volunteer or donate, contact Cheryl A. Riley at cheryl.riley@rcan.org. For more information, visit www.rcan.org/mercy-house/.

AbouttheArchdiocese of Newark?

The Archdiocese of Newark serves 1.3 million Catholics throughout Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties. The Archdiocese has 212 parishes, 67 Catholic schools, and many missions and ministries. Hundreds of Masses are celebrated in more than a dozen languages each week. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., the sixth archbishop of Newark, leads the Archdiocese with four auxiliary bishops. Together, they serve the northern New Jersey community through faith, education, and social services. For more information, visit www.rcan.org.

Hudson County Community CollegeNames Danielle Lopez Inaugural Director of Accessibility Services

 Pictured here, Danielle Lopez, who has been named Hudson County Community College’s first Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) for Accessibility Services.
 

–  Hudson County Community College (HCCC) has appointed Danielle Lopez as the College’s first Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) for Accessibility Services.
 
“The entire HCCC family is delighted to welcome Danielle Lopez to the College,” said HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber. “She will lead and support our accessibility and accommodation programs for students and employees. In addition to serving as our Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/Section 504 Coordinator, Danielle will be our primary compliance and content expert for all accessibility matters. She will play a key role in advancing our culture of care and our overarching priorities of student success and diversity, equity and inclusion.”
 
Ms. Lopez will manage and supervise the HCCC Office of Accessibility Services (OAS). A key component of her work is to reduce systemic barriers and promote disability awareness and a culture of accessibility. In her new position, Ms. Lopez will collaborate with multiple campus constituents, including faculty; the Offices of Academic Affairs; Student Affairs and Enrollment; and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Human Resources; Counseling and Wellness; Registrar; Public Safety and Security; Facilities; Communications; Information Technology; Legal Counsel; and others.
 
A dedicated and enthusiastic higher education professional, Ms. Lopez is highly experienced in accessibility and disability services, advisement, and administration. For the past ten years, she served as Assistant Director and Academic Counselor at City University of New York (CUNY) Center for Student Accessibility. There, she developed and implemented best practices to help students with disabilities and diverse needs achieve academic success. In addition, Ms. Lopez served as an Adjunct Lecturer at CUNY, teaching psychology courses. As a Project REACH mentor, she assisted individuals with autism, coordinated curricula and service plans, and facilitated meetings related to academic, social, and professional development. Ms. Lopez also mentored students with disabilities to support their campus initiatives at the College of Staten Island.
 
Ms. Lopez received her Master of Science degree in Disability Services in Higher Education from the School of Professional Studies at CUNY, and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the College of Staten Island, CUNY. Her professional affiliations include the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), New York State Disability Services Council (NYSDSC), and CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities (CCSD). She holds certification in Mental Health First Aid from the National Council for Behavioral Health.
 
“I am very happy to be a part of Hudson County Community College, where diversity, equity, and inclusion is valued and lived,” Ms. Lopez stated. “I look forward to working with our students and my new colleagues to further advance opportunities and accessibility for everyone at HCCC.”

Fulop Administration Earns Perfect Score for Leadership’s Efforts in Equality & LGBTQ+ Rights for 11th Consecutive Year

Jersey City Earns 100/100 in Nationwide Evaluation of LGBTQ+ Policies and Services by the Human Rights Campaign

JERSEY CITY, NJ – For the 11th consecutive year, Mayor Steven M. Fulop is proud to announce Jersey City has, once again, earned a perfect score from the nationwide 2023 Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index (MEI), citing the administrative efforts to create an inclusive and welcoming community where every LGBTQ+ residents, employee, and visitor can thrive.

Hudson County Community College Vice Chair Bakari G. Lee Named Recipient of ACCT 2023 Northeast Regional Trustee Leadership Award

 Bakari G. Lee, Esq., Vice Chair of Hudson County Community College’s Board of Trustees, is the recipient of the Association of Community College Trustees Northeast Regional Trustee Leadership Award.

Vice Chair Lee is the sole nominee from the Northeastern United States for
ACCT’s prestigious M. Dale Ensign National Trustee Leadership Award. 

August 23, 2023, Jersey City, NJ – For more than 120 years, America’s community colleges have played a vital role in transforming lives by creating pathways to economic opportunity and financial security. Today, community colleges face myriad challenges such as funding issues, keeping apace of rapidly changing technologies, and, most importantly, developing the means to assist students in continuing and completing their studies. Community college trustees work with college administrators and staff, local and national government entities, and area industries to meet these challenges, and to ensure opportunities abound for those who wish to successfully pursue a community college education.