Full Notification

Hoboken students are invited to participate in Black History Month Speech Contest  

The City of Hoboken invites local high school students to participate in a speech contest in honor of Black History Month, which will celebrate the impact of Black history on present-day America.   

The contest is open to Hoboken residents or those who attend a Hoboken based high school and are in ninth through 12th grade. Participants must write a 4–6-minute speech highlighting an example from Black history that has shaped their understanding of today’s America. Students are encouraged to reflect on what this history means to them personally and how it inspires them to contribute to culture and community. The submission deadline is Friday, Feb. 20, at 6 p.m.  

Scholarships will be awarded to the top three students, with $500 for first place, $300 for second place, and $100 for third place.  

Winning students will also be invited to deliver their speeches at the City of Hoboken’s Black History Month Celebration on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 3 p.m. at City Hall. 

“Black History Month is a time to listen, learn, and reflect on the stories that have shaped our country,” said Mayor Emily B. Jabbour. “This speech contest gives Hoboken students an opportunity to connect history to the present and to use their powerful voices with purpose. By honoring Black History Month through student reflection and scholarship, we are investing in the next generation of leaders and changemakers.”   

The celebration will also include displays by local student artists, honor municipal employees with more than 17 years of dedicated service with the City, and guest speakers.  

The contest is organized by the City of Hoboken’s Division of Cultural Affairs, and sponsored by Little City Books, Lucas Dental Associates, and Dance with Derrick.  

Students interested in participating must register by emailing Annie McAdams at [email protected] to receive further contest details. 

Applications for Community Development Block Grant funding available 

The City of Hoboken is accepting applications for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for Program Year 2026. This funding, estimated at approximately $1 million based on the 2025 allocation, is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist low- to moderate-income community members and respond to urgent community needs.  

“Community Development Block Grant funding is one of the most important tools we have to support our neighbors and local nonprofits,” said Mayor Emily B. Jabbour. “I encourage community organizations across the City to apply for funding so we can continue invest in programs and services that make Hoboken more inclusive.”   

To apply for CDBG funding, applicants should visit the Hoboken Community Development Block Grant webpage to access the application at  

www.hobokennj.gov/resources/community-development-block-grant-program. Applications are due on Friday, Feb. 20, at 4 p.m.  

Hoboken will also host an in-person public hearing on Thursday, Feb. 5, at 6 p.m. in the ground floor conference room at City Hall, 94 Washington St. to gather public feedback and provide information regarding application procedures, program performance, timing, eligible activities, and other CDBG program requirements.  

Residents can also submit written comments to Cathleen Wolf, AICP PP, Principal Planner, at 94 Washington St., Hoboken, NJ 07030, or via email at [email protected].  

For persons with disabilities who wish to attend the public hearing and require auxiliary aids, services, or other accommodations, please contact the City at (201) 420-2000 Ext. 1703 in advance.  

Last year, the City awarded over $1 million CDBG funds to the Hoboken Housing Authority for capital improvements, and to local nonprofits providing public services such as the Hoboken Shelter, Community Lifestyle, Hoboken Family Planning, HOPES, Hoboken Community Center, Act Now Foundation, Team Wilderness, and Street Life Ministry.