Mercer County to honor Jennifer Williams, Stephen Chukumba at 2026 Equality Gala

Mercer County will hold its 2026 Equality Gala, “Liberty & Pride: Toward a More Perfect Union,” on Saturday, June 20, at the Brower Student Center at The College of New Jersey.

The gala will honor two people for their contributions to the LGBTQIA+ community and advocacy efforts.

Jennifer Williams will receive the 2026 LGBTQIA+ Leader of the Year Award. Williams has represented Trenton’s North Ward since 2022 and has been involved in community advocacy and neighborhood initiatives in the city.

Stephen Chukumba will receive the 2026 LGBTQIA+ Ally of the Year Award. Chukumba appeared in the Netflix documentary The Dads, which follows fathers supporting their transgender and LGBTQ children and explores themes of acceptance, family, and allyship.

“Liberty & Pride is more than a celebration, it is a reflection of our shared journey as a community and as a country,” County Executive Dan Benson said in a statement. “As we look toward our nation’s 250th anniversary, we are reminded that progress is ongoing, and that the voices and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community remain vital to the promise of a more perfect union.”

The event will feature a red-carpet reception and entertainment. Organizers said the gala will be emceed by Cissy Walken and co-hosted by Lady Celestina.

The Mercer County Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs was established in 2024 by Benson and the Mercer County Board of Commissioners. The office helps residents navigate government programs and services, supports outreach efforts, and provides information about legal rights and resources for LGBTQIA+ residents.