Pride Month 2026: Essex Commissioners Honor Montclair Resident, Newark Group

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The Essex County Board of County Commissioners recently held its annual LGBTQ Pride Month Celebration for 2026.

Last week, the board re-affirmed their commitment that Essex County is a “welcoming, inclusive place to live and work for all identities and orientations.”

The board presented two honors this year, acknowledging Eddie Nicholas of Montclair, and the City of Newark LGBTQ Concerns Advisory Commission.

Here’s what to know about this year’s awardees, the board said:

EDDIE NICHOLAS – Edward “Eddie” Nicholas, presented by Commissioner Tyshammie L. Cooper and sponsored by Commissioner Brendan W. Gill, graduated from Virginia State University in in 1985. He is a noted MC/host, early childcare educator, interviewer, journalist, and a man about town known for his involvement in the arts. Eddie works throughout Essex County and his hometown of Montclair in many county and local events, lending his voice and talent for various causes from anti-bullying, LGBTQ+ pride, and social fundraising events. Eddie has been the long-standing host of the Lincoln Park House Music Festival and one of the founders of the Weequahic Park Music Festival, both in Newark, New Jersey, as well as host of the Orange and Maplewood House music festivals. Eddie has appeared at Montclair Pride on several occasions, previously on the family stage in 2023 and showcasing on the main stage in 2024. In 2025, he was one of the hosts for Montclair Pride, along with Harmonica Sunbeam and Dominique Jackson. As a recording artist, Eddie has been recording music since 1993 and released his first single on Strictly Rhythm Records, entitled “You Make Me Carry On.” His work can be found on all major music streaming platforms, with recording labels including Slaag, Mantree, and Mixtape Sessions. Eddie currently sits on the Board of Directors for Montclair Pride. He is a member of the Montclair African American Heritage Foundation and sits on the Montclair Township Arts Advisory Committee and the NJPAC LGBTQ Advisory Committee. Eddie is known to say, “I’m a gay male working it in mostly straight environments, but holding my own and being recognized for the work I do, not my sexual orientation.”.

NEWARK CITY ADVISORY COMMISSION – The City of Newark LGBTQ Concerns Advisory Commission, presented by Commissioner Vice President A’Dorian Murray-Thomas, was established in 2014 under the administration of then-Mayor, now U.S. Senator, Cory Booker. It was created to serve as an official advisory body to the City of Newark, New Jersey, on matters affecting LGBTQIA+ residents and their families. The current leadership of the Commission includes Jennifer “Kween” Moore, Madam Chair; Susu Stewart, Madam Co-Chair; Audris Torres, Secretary; Jason Bunkley, Commissioner; Tiana Santos, Commissioner; Taquan Williams, Commissioner; and Reginald Webber Jr., Commissioner. Since 2025, under the leadership of Chairwoman Jennifer “Kween” Moore, the Newark LGBTQ Concerns Advisory Commission has expanded Newark’s International Pride Month programming through the inaugural International Pride Flag Raising Ceremony, the Scent of Sweet Pride Professional Mixer, and the annual ‘Pride En Blanc’ All-White Commemorative Brunch & Fundraiser at Newark Symphony Hall. The Commission has built strategic partnerships with Garden State Equality, New Jersey Black Pride, Newark Pride Inc., Project TEA, the Trans Rights Coalition of New Jersey, Out Montclair, Invest Newark, Partnership West, Newark Public Schools, Newark Symphony Hall, the Newark Arts Council, the Newark LGBTQ Film Festival, Project for Empty Space, Femme Curator Arts, Urban Creative Arts Workshops, and many other community organizations. The Commission leadership has participated in discussions with Congresswomen Sarah McBride, LaMonica McIver, and Analilia Mejia while advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights, education, healthcare equity, visibility, economic opportunity, and social justice. Through partnerships with Newark Public Schools and local arts organizations, the Newark LGBTQ Concerns Advisory Commission supports affirming educational environments, cultural programming, exhibitions, performances, public art, poetry, film, and community engagement initiatives. As Newark continues to grow as one of New Jersey’s most inclusive cities, the Commission remains committed to advocacy, education, partnerships, visibility, and community empowerment. Newark Believes in Pride.

Musical accompaniment at last week’s ceremony was provided by vocalist Brandi Chavonne Massey, and opening and closing prayers were conducted by the Rev. Katherine Rollo of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Verona.

U.S. Reps. LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) and Analilia Mejia (NJ-11) provided certificates of recognition for the honorees.

“There is a long history around the world of queer people being forced to deny who they are and who they love,” Commissioner Vice President A’Dorian Murray-Thomas said.

“While the fight for acceptance is not over, today in Essex, things are different,” Murray-Thomas said. “We are proud to celebrate Pride Month, and declare that we are not just allies but defenders of our LGBTQ friends, family, and neighbors. Congratulations to all our honorees, and thank you for all you do.”

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