Everyone should have access to the best possible education and housing regardless of race or ethnicity.
We believe that strong communities and quality education are the foundation for lasting change, empowering individuals and families to learn, lead, and succeed.
A community-centered nonprofit working for families
For over 80 years, the Civic League of Greater New Brunswick has served as a trusted community-based organization dedicated to strengthening underserved youth and families throughout New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Rooted in advocacy, empowerment, and service, the Civic League provides leadership development, educational enrichment, mentorship, wellness initiatives, family engagement, and culturally responsive programming designed to improve quality of life and create lasting community impact.
Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to equity and opportunity, the Civic League continues to empower future generations, build stronger families, and strengthen communities throughout Greater New Brunswick and beyond.
A focused approach that lifts the whole community
To strengthen historically underserved and other minority families by advocating, promoting, and providing community-based services which empower families and improve their quality of life.
Eight decades of community leadership
From an Urban League chapter to an independent nonprofit, the League has advanced equity, opportunity, and civic empowerment in New Brunswick since 1944.
- 1944
Founded after a Paul Robeson benefit concert
On January 11, 1944, the National Urban League authorized a local Service Council for New Brunswick. That August, Paul Robeson performed a benefit concert that raised $1,341 to help establish the League.
- 1945
Accepted as a National Urban League affiliate
On October 1, 1945, the New Brunswick Service Council was accepted as an affiliate of the National Urban League.
- 1946
First Executive Director appointed
Lewellyn Shivery became the League’s first Executive Director, and Alice Archibald served as its first Executive Assistant.
- 1952
Advocacy reopens teaching to Black educators
Through the League’s efforts, the New Brunswick school system employed its first Black teacher since the 1920s.
- 1964
Building housing and opportunity
The League launched its Skills Bank program and partnered with the Tenants Council to build Memorial Homes, a low-income housing complex.
- 1970
Dr. C. Roy Epps begins decades of leadership
C. Roy Epps became the League’s fifth Executive Director on February 1, 1970. That year the League purchased a former bakery at 47–49 Throop Avenue as its home.
- 1974
A landmark fight against discriminatory zoning
The League sued 23 Middlesex County municipalities over exclusionary zoning practices — litigation that became part of New Jersey’s historic Mount Laurel doctrine. The same year, it founded the Community Investment Corporation (CINCO).
- 1976
First Paul Robeson Awards Banquet
The League held its first annual Paul Robeson Awards Banquet, and C. Roy Epps was appointed the first Black president of the New Brunswick Board of Education.
- 1983
The Civic League is born
The organization disaffiliated from the National Urban League to become the Civic League of Greater New Brunswick, and its zoning suit was joined with the landmark Mt. Laurel litigation.
- 1991
Project 2000 brings volunteers into classrooms
Johnson & Johnson, New Jersey Bell, and Merrill Lynch volunteers served in New Brunswick schools through Project 2000 (1991–2000).
- 1992
Summer institutes for high schoolers launch
The Whitney M. Young, Jr. / Rosa L. Parks intensive summer institutes for high school students began.
- 1997
Technology Center opens
A Technology Center was established at the League’s offices, followed by a 6th-grade computer loan program at Lord Stirling School in 1999.
- 2004
Expanding youth and middle-school programs
The League launched 7th- and 8th-grade leadership programming, the George Road Gateway program, and a Middle School Extended Day program.
- 2010
Mentoring programs for young men and women
The League launched “Crossroads to Success” — now the “Untagged Gents” — followed by the “Ladies of Vision” program in 2011.
- 2024
Eighty years of service
The Civic League marks eight decades of empowering New Brunswick’s youth and families.
- 2024
Honored with the Seeds of Change Award
In May 2024, Jack & Jill honored Dr. C. Roy Epps Jr. and the Civic League with the "Seeds of Change Award" at their annual Brims & Bow Tie event, recognizing the organization’s community service efforts.
- 2026
A $450,000 grant fuels a new nutrition program
The Civic League received an RWJBarnabas Health Community Health Grant for its ENVE program — Elevating Nutritional Value through Education.
- 2026
New chapter, same legacy
Camara R. Epps becomes Executive Director of the Civic League of Greater New Brunswick, carrying her father’s legacy of service forward into the organization’s next era.
Building a legacy for the next generation
To create thriving communities where underserved youth and families have access to the support, opportunities, and resources needed to grow, lead, and succeed.