Community Corner
Black History Month: Montclair Council Member Honored By County
David Cummings, a lifelong Montclair resident, was honored along with three other Essex County community leaders.
MONTCLAIR, NJ — A Montclair council member with deep roots in the community was one of four Essex County residents spotlighted during an annual African-American History Month program.
During a virtual ceremony last week, Montclair Fourth Ward Councilor David Cummings was honored for his numerous contributions to the community.
“It’s a great honor to be recognized by county officials, especially in a ceremony that recognizes the achievements of African-Americans in Essex County during Black History Month,” Cummings said.
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“I am truly humbled, and acknowledge that my achievements as Montclair’s 4th Ward councilor could only be possible with the support of my colleagues on the council, the administrative staff, and the men and women behind the scenes who work hard every day on behalf of the township’s residents,” Cummings added.
Other honorees for 2021 included:
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- Harry Paden of Irvington, owner and CEO of HP Inc.
- Ryan Haygood of Newark, president and CEO of New Jersey Institute of Social Justice
- Deborah Davis Ford of South Orange, clerk of the Essex County Board of County Commissioners
According to the Montclair municipal website, Cummings is a lifelong Montclair resident and a 1985 graduate of Montclair High School. He is currently principal of DEK Strategies LLC, a boutique consulting agency specializing in digital media and content communications strategy.
His community involvement has included:
- Vice Chairman Montclair Neighborhood Development Corporation
- Parent Chair Mt. Hebron School Action Team
- Montclair Board of Education
- Montclair Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
- Montclair Neighborhood Development Center Policy Committee
- Montclair Civil Rights Commission
Watch a video from the Feb. 17 ceremony below.
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