Honks For Hope: Church Leads Hospital Tributes In Essex County

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Normally, dozens of honking car horns in a hospital zone would set off a firestorm of anger in Essex County. But recently, the sound inspired a different emotion: hope.

Earlier this month, Freedom Church in Newark helped to spearhead a massive tribute to hospital workers in Essex County. Tributes took place at Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, East Orange General Hospital, Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Saint Michael’s Medical Center and University Hospital in Newark.

Led by Pastor Antione Hart – and paying careful attention to social distancing – clergy and parishioners organized a motorcade that visited each hospital. While Hart and other clergy prayed for those inside the buildings, others in their cars honked their horns in a show of solidarity.

Several local restaurants and philanthropic-based organizations partnered with the “Honk For Hope” event, donating hundreds of lunches for essential workers.

Saint Michael’s offered a thank-you after the show of support, writing that the event “really lifted the spirits of our health care heroes.”

• See related article: Watch Touching Tribute To Hospital Workers In Newark, East Orange
• See related article: NJ Coronavirus Updates (Here's What You Need To Know)

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.