Lincoln Park Nonprofit Marks 20th Anniversary In Newark

NEWARK, NJ — A Newark nonprofit recently celebrated its 20th anniversary with “a little something special” at Newark Symphony Hall.

The Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District (LPCCD) – which empowers “visionaries and community activists” to maintain the vibrancy of the Lincoln Park neighborhood – marked its second decade in the city by hosting a gala event at New Jersey’s largest and oldest Black-led arts and entertainment venue.

The event – dubbed “the Lagniappe Experience,” or “a little something special” – marked the kickoff of an 18-month fundraising campaign that will benefit the nonprofit’s capacity and work in arts and culture, green jobs training and community engagement. It will also support the nonprofit’s 2023-2024 capital campaign and help “operationalize” the Lincoln Park Façade facility once completed.

Honorees at the gala included:

• Aisha Glover, Vice President of Urban Innovation at the Global Center for Urban Development, Audible
• Tai Cooper, Chief Community Development Officer, New Jersey Economic Development Authority
• Theresa Marshall, Founding Member Board of Trustees, LPCCD and President, Adventus II, Inc.
• Robin Shorter, Senior Director of. Community Engagement, Integrity House
• Jorge Cruz, Executive Director, Newark LISC
• fayemi shakur, Director of Cultural Affairs, City of Newark
• Kai Campbell, Envisionary, Walla Food & Beverage Group
• Elnardo J. Webster II., Attorney at Law, Partner, Inglesino, Webster, Wyciskala & Taylor, LLC
• Melissa Prashad, Community Manager, Chase Bank

According to the LPCCD, the event was inspired by the Black & White Ball of 1966 dubbed “the Party of The Century,” and was “sprinkled with Black creole culture of New Orleans and a little Brick City edge.”

To bid in an ongoing virtual art auction or make donations of any amount to the campaign, go to The Lagniappe Experience donation site here through Jan. 30. For more information about the LPCCD, check them out on Facebook or visit the nonprofit’s website, which will relaunch in early 2023 to coincide with the 18-month campaign.

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