Elnora Watson, director of Urban League, dies at 67

JERSEY CITY — Elnora Watson, 67 the executive director of the Urban League of Hudson County, died on June 19, according to a statement issued by the Urban League.
“The board, management and staff of the Urban League of Hudson County (ULOHC) is deeply saddened by the untimely death of Mrs. Elnora Watson who served as ULOHC President & CEO for more than twenty five years,” the release said. “Though she had relinquished day to day operations of ULOHC in the past year to Muhammad Umar as Interim CEO, Mrs. Watson remained active in the community and stayed in close contact with ULOHC. Just this past week, she was planning an event sponsored by PLOT (an organization of community leaders) dedicated to support student leadership.”
Watson grew up on Bramhall Avenue in Jersey City served as director of the Urban League since 1989, although was involved with the community organization more almost 40 years.
“She will be remembered as a mentor by generations, including many staff at the Urban League who because of her, pursued college degrees and fruitful careers empowering clients and bringing about change in the community,” the statement said. “A longtime Hudson County resident, Elnora graduated from Saint Peter’s College in Jersey City which recently recognized her with a distinguished alumni award. Elnora and her late husband Robert were a dynamic team who also impacted Jersey City politics. Each contributed to the community in their respective professional and personal realms.“
Mrs. Watson worked at ULOHC for thirty-eight years. She took over as CEO when the agency offered five programs through a staff of twenty. Today the agency offers nearly thirty programs, through a staff of over one hundred people. Mrs. Watson’s initiatives include Starting Points, a community day care center, the Urban League Affordable Housing & Community Development Corporation, and the Jersey City Community Charter School and the Schomburg Charter School (now BelovED Community Charter School).
Many of the agency’s staff credit their success and growth to her leadership. Muhammad Umar, Interim CEO, noted “Today, a big tree has fallen, but the Urban League of Hudson County is standing. We will continue to provide excellent service which meets the needs of this diverse community.”