Good News In Essex County: Hugs + Boxing + Italian And Latino Pride

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The world can be a scary place. But it’s also filled with humor, inspiration and kindness. Let’s focus on that second part. Take a look at some recent good news stories in Essex County below. (Click the headlines to read).

Got a local news tip about something that will make your neighbors smile? Have an awesome photo you’d like to share? Send it to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Italian Heritage Month: Community Leaders Honored In Essex County

The Essex County commissioners are spotlighting community leaders for Italian Heritage Month. See the list of honorees for 2024.

Latino Heritage In Essex County: 2 Community Leaders Earn Awards

A police chief and the executive director of a nonprofit earned awards as part of Essex County's annual Latino Heritage Celebration.

‘Hug The Block’: Essex County Neighbors Bond Over Art, Music

A display of "healing and growing" united neighbors at Clinton Hill Community Action's "H.U.G. the Block" event.

Essex County College Earns Award For Diversity On Campus

The numbers show a success story when it comes to the benefits of "diversity and inclusion," administrators said.

Sons Of American Legion In Belleville Earn National Awards

Belleville's Sons of The American Legion (SAL) Squadron 105 was recently presented with several national awards.

Hidden Gem In Montclair: Grove Street Theater Features Low-Cost Plays

Give yourself a round of applause for discovering – or rediscovering – "the longest running hit in Montclair," a supporter says.

Irvington Boxer Scores Big Knockout At Prudential Center In Newark

After seeing other local pugilists such as Shakur Stevenson fight at the arena, Jean Pierre Valencia enjoyed his own big moment at The Rock.