February 14, 2020 - Lieutenant Governor Oliver Presented with Black Excellence Award by the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, February 14, 2020

Previous Caucus Chair Sheila Y. Oliver Receives Prestigious Award During Black History Month

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver was honored with the Black Excellence Award by the New Jersey Black Legislative Caucus (NJLBC) at their Inaugural Gala last night. The award was presented by NJLBC Officer, Assemblywoman Shavonda E. Sumter.

“I’m humbled by this honor and offer praise to the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus for their tremendous advocacy for African Americans, minorities and women for over 40 years,” said Lt. Governor Oliver, who also serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). “As we celebrate Black History Month and recognize the many achievements and contributions African Americans have made in our communities, I want to thank and commend the Caucus for giving me a platform to be a part of the progress and for their dedication to advancing equality in New Jersey.”

According to the NJLBC, the Black Excellence Award is a distinguished honor bestowed to one deserving of such a high honor.  In recognition of this award, and the 400-year history of African Americans in the United States, they are celebrating the excellence that Lt. Governor Oliver has achieved in New Jersey politics as the first African American woman to serve as Speaker of the General Assembly and the first African American Lieutenant Governor in the State of New Jersey. 

“As the Gala Chair, I am beyond honored to recognize our Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver for her political prowess within the State of New Jersey. She has served as a shining star for women to excel. Lt. Governor Oliver continues to live her personal mission of “Each One, Teach One,” so that future African Americans continue to thrive in our great state,” said Assemblywoman Shavonda E. Sumter.

Previously, Lt. Governor Oliver had served as the Legislative Black Caucus and Foundation Chair while in the General Assembly and has continued to play an instrumental role with promoting public policy by encouraging the interaction of the community with legislators and members of the government at all levels.

Founded in 1979, the New Jersey Black Legislative Caucus’s mission is to advocate on behalf of African Americans, other ethnic minority citizens and women in the State of New Jersey to protect their civil and human rights; and to ensure equal opportunities, just and fair treatment for minorities and women in general. They also provide oversight of legislation, government regulations and policies, and information to members of the NJLBC and to the public at large regarding issues affecting the quality of life.

For more information about DCA, visit https://nj.gov/dca/ or follow the Department on social media: