Music, Leadership & Unity: 'The Symphony at Sunset' Brings Essex County Together at The Highlawn
An unforgettable evening where music, leadership, and community come together. Join leaders from across New Jersey for meaningful conversations, live orchestral music, and breathtaking skyline views
WEST ORANGE, N.J. — In a time when division often dominates the headlines, one New Jersey organization is choosing a different approach: bringing people together.
On Thursday, July 23, Unity Table, a community initiative of Little Box of Love, will host The Symphony at Sunset at The Highlawn in West Orange—an evening where music, leadership, and meaningful conversations take center stage against one of the most breathtaking views of the New York City skyline.
The event, presented in partnership with Newark Symphony Hall, isn't about politics. It's about people.
Designed as a nonpartisan gathering, The Symphony at Sunset welcomes business leaders, entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, healthcare professionals, educators, faith leaders, elected officials, and residents from every walk of life to share one table with one common purpose: building stronger communities through collaboration and respect.
Among the evening's special guests will be Mayor Ras J. Baraka of Newark, Mayor Dwayne D. Warren, Esq. of Orange Township, and Mayor Ted R. Green of East Orange, joining community leaders committed to strengthening Essex County through partnership and civic engagement.
Guests will also hear from Unity Table Co-Founders J. Wayman Henry III and Anthony Piergiulio, whose vision has helped shape the initiative into a platform where conversations become partnerships and partnerships become action. The evening will be hosted by Guest Master of Ceremonies Talia L. Young, CEO of Newark Symphony Hall.
Adding to the experience, guests will enjoy a live performance by Newark Symphony Hall's 1st Stage Orchestra, chef-selected hors d'oeuvres, and an elegant evening of networking overlooking the Manhattan skyline.
For J. Wayman Henry III, the mission behind Unity Table is simple.
"The future of our communities will not be shaped by what separates us, but by what brings us together. Unity Table was founded on a simple belief: regardless of our backgrounds, beliefs, industries, or political affiliations, we all want safer neighborhoods, healthier families, stronger businesses, and greater opportunities for future generations. We are proudly nonpartisan because our mission is not politics—it's people. When we sit at the same table, listen with respect, and work toward common goals, extraordinary things become possible."
That philosophy reflects the organization's official tagline:
Different Voices. Shared Solutions.
Rather than focusing on differences, Unity Table creates opportunities for meaningful dialogue between leaders and residents who may never otherwise have the chance to connect.
"Communities become stronger when people choose conversation over division," said Rita Duran, President of Little Box of Love. "The Symphony at Sunset is an opportunity to build relationships, exchange ideas, and remind ourselves that our greatest progress happens when we work together."
As communities across New Jersey continue searching for ways to bridge differences and create lasting partnerships, events like The Symphony at Sunset demonstrate that collaboration doesn't begin in a boardroom—it begins when people are willing to sit at the same table.
Event Details
The Symphony at Sunset
📅 Thursday, July 23, 2026
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 The Highlawn
1 Crest Drive
West Orange, NJ
🎟 Complimentary Admission (Registration Required)
To reserve your seat or learn more, visit www.unitytable.org/events
About Unity Table
Unity Table, a community initiative of Little Box of Love, is a nonpartisan platform that brings together leaders and residents from diverse backgrounds to foster respectful dialogue, strengthen relationships, and inspire collaborative solutions that improve communities.
Different Voices. Shared Solutions.
Comments ()