(East Orange, NJ – February 2020) – Assemblywoman Britnee N. Timberlake is set to host her second annual trailblazer awards fundraiser honoring two democratic heavyweights, one deserving organization, and a company making a difference.

Traditionally, the ceremony boasts a host of honorees who have made strides in both the political arena and in the community, including past award recipients: Marjorie Perry, President and CEO of MZM Construction & Management Company; Analilia Mejia, former Executive Director of New Jersey Working Families; Estina Baker, Campaign Lead for the CWA District 1; Lauren Murphy, Clifton Democratic Chairwoman; and Jeannine Frisby LaRue, Senior Vice President of Kaufman Zita Group, to name a few.

This year’s theme is no different. The event will commemorate trailblazers in celebration of both Women’s History and Black History months. Among the honorees, Passaic County and New Jersey State Democratic Committee Chairman John Currie will receive an award alongside East Orange and Essex County Democratic Committee Chairman LeRoy J. Jones, Jr., titled the “Freeholder Lebby C. Jones Award”.

The award was created in honor of the late Essex County Freeholder who passed away a year ago. During her lifetime, Freeholder Jones served as a Freeholder-At-Large, Councilwoman, and educator. She had a lifelong legacy of public service characterized by her dedication to improving the quality of life for her constituents. Her leadership and advocacy created the foundation for the revival of Irvington. Most notably, she was a staunch advocate for civil rights, supporting groundbreaking legislation that created opportunities for communities of color.

As you may know, Chairman Currie and Chairman Jones came to an independent agreement in December 2019 over the succession of the state democratic party chairmanship. Chairman Currie will stay on for a full term that will end after the 2021 Democratic primary, and Chairman Jones will be Chairman Currie’s successor with his support. “Lebby would have loved the unity agreement between these two powerful men of color,” said Assemblywoman Timberlake. “Lebby was my friend and a strong ally when we served together on the Freeholder Board. She was a civil rights activist and a real soldier for social justice. I am grateful to the family of Lebby Jones for allowing me to establish this award in her honor.”

Two other honorees will receive awards, including Women for Progress, a mission driven organization that educates and connects individuals to activism, and Souder, Shabazz & Woolridge Law Group, LLP, a minority owned law firm that has made great strides.

The event will take place on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at the Appian Way in Orange, New Jersey. For more information about the celebration, contact TimberlakeAwards@gmail.com.