Akeem Cunningham Appointed President of the Urban League of Essex County Young Professionals

East Orange, NJ — The Urban League of Essex County Young Professionals (ULECYP) is proud to announce Akeem Cunningham as its new President. A lifelong East Orange resident and Deputy Chief of Staff to Mayor Ted R. Green, Akeem has earned acclaim for his innovative leadership and dedication to community empowerment. A respected political strategist, Akeem works closely with NJ Democratic Committee Chairman LeRoy J. Jones, Jr.

Praise for Akeem’s Leadership

Governor Dan McKee of Rhode Island met Akeem at the Democratic National Convention, where he was immediately impressed by Akeem's exceptional ability to connect the dots and forge meaningful connections.

“Akeem Cunningham is the future of leadership—visionary, action-driven, and deeply connected. At the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, his ability to partner and mobilize a multi-state initiative in days was nothing short of remarkable. Akeem’s talent for inspiring progress is unmatched. He’s got the ‘IT Factor’ we chase in public life; when intelligence meets charisma.”

Vivian Fraser, President and CEO of the Urban League of Essex County since 2004, praised Akeem’s dedication to the organization’s mission:

“Akeem Cunningham exemplifies the values that drive the Urban League’s work—community, empowerment, and strategic action. His vision and energy as President of ULECYP will undoubtedly elevate the impact of this vital group of young professionals. I look forward to the innovative programming and initiatives that will emerge under his leadership”..

Mayor Ted R. Green, Akeem's mentor and close collaborator for over two decades, beamed with pride as he acknowledged Akeem's impressive accomplishments.

“Akeem is the embodiment of leadership with purpose. His unwavering commitment to East Orange and the larger Essex County community is an inspiration to us all. As President of ULECYP, I have no doubt he will bring innovative ideas and transformative energy to this important role. Akeem’s leadership will empower a new generation of young professionals to make a lasting impact.”

New Jersey State Democratic Committee Chairman LeRoy J. Jones, Jr., a mentor to Akeem, echoed these sentiments:

“It has been a privilege to witness Akeem’s evolution as a servant-leader. His passion for uplifting others and his tireless work ethic are unparalleled. As his mentor, I am immensely proud to see him step into this role where he will continue to inspire and impact lives through the Urban League Movement. Akeem represents the future of leadership in New Jersey and beyond.”

“I am honored to lead ULECYP and to continue driving meaningful change in our community. I’m grateful for leaders like Alturrick Kennedy Essex County Surrogate, Mayor Ted Green, Chairman LeRoy J. Jones, Jr., and Urban League CEO Vivian Frazier for shaping my approach to leadership. Together, we’re building solutions that empower the next generation and create a lasting legacy of progress.”

A Strong Leadership Team

Akeem will be supported by an exceptional team of leaders, each bringing unique expertise to ULECYP’s mission:

•    Kyleesha Wingfield-Hill, Vice President
•    Yvonna Wade, Secretary
•    Michael Corbitt Jr., Treasurer
•    Christina Brisson, Chair of Membership Committee
•    Phil Reed, Chair of Professional Development
•    Casim Gomez, Chair of Marketing & Public Relations
•    Hasani Council, Chair of Education & Community Outreach
•    Samantha Bollers, Chair of Advocacy & Civic Engagement
•    Pulisha Brisson, Chair of Social & Cultural Events