Last night at the @hillsidepl was truly unforgettable. 📖✨
Bringing On the Line and Becoming Spectacular to this distinct space felt like returning to my roots. This place is where my love for tap and the stage first began, so being back here meant everything.
Huge thanks to Yomi for being an amazing moderator and host – you made the evening shine.
To everyone who attended: you all felt like family. There's nothing quite like coming home to a crowd that radiates joy and support. It was honestly one of my most memorable readings.
Thanks for making it a night to cherish. 🌟
#ontheline #becomingspectacular #hillsidelibrary #homecoming #grateful
Our Annual Black Children’s Book Week event at the Hillside Recreation Center brought together families for an afternoon centered on creativity, storytelling, and inspiration.
Hosted by the Urban League of Union County, children and their parents joined us to explore what it means to be the author of their own story. We were honored to hear from Veronica Chapman, Founder of Black Children’s Book Week, Al Hardy, Union County Commissioner Stanley Neron, and ULUC President & CEO Crystal Orr, who each poured into the next generation with encouragement and purpose.
Local authors JRead, Arayna Kemp, and Moses Eche read their stories, and with the support of librarian Christal Blue, each child created and shared their own book. From dinosaurs to Rosa Parks to stories about their families, their creativity filled the room.
Each child also received books to take home, courtesy of Karla Alvarez from the Rahway Library.
Thank you to @djmpure for setting the tone, Clarice for being our MC, and Malaika of @capturedcanvas for capturing the moments. This was a meaningful reminder of what happens when young voices are given space to be heard. #ulucnj #unioncountynj #blackchildrensbookweek
This week, we proudly join the celebration of Black Children’s Book Week.
Representation in literature shapes imagination, confidence, and identity. When Black children see themselves reflected in stories, as dreamers, creators, leaders, and heroes, it reinforces that their voices matter and their stories deserve space.
In honor of Black Children’s Book Week, the Urban League of Union County, in partnership with the Township of Hillside and the Hillside Public Library, is hosting:
Creating Young Authors: The Writing and Reading Lab
Saturday, February 28, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Hillside Recreation Center
274 Hillside Avenue, Hillside, NJ
This free program is designed for children ages 5–12 and will provide a space for young minds to read, write, imagine, and create. It is an opportunity to nurture literacy, creativity, and confidence- all foundational tools for long-term academic and personal success.
As we celebrate Black children in literature this week, we are also investing in the next generation of authors, storytellers, and thinkers right here in Union County.
If you are a parent, educator, community partner, or volunteer looking to support youth development and literacy, we invite you to register or get involved at .
Let’s continue building spaces where every child’s story is valued and amplified. #unioncountynj #ulucnj #blackchildrensbookweek #nationalurbanleague
