 |
|
Our Vision:
to achieve & sustain the benefits of a thriving, racially integrated & truly inclusive community that serves as a model for the nation.
|
South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition
on Race
516 Prospect Street
Maplewood, NJ 07040
973-761-6116
|
|
|
|
|
Executive Director's Message
|
| Thinking about the Word 'Thug' Professor Michael Jeffries "It's not a coincidence that the rise of this word in the public sphere coincided with the uptick in the punishment and hyper-incarceration of black and brown people living in late 20th century urban America." Newsweek 4/29/15 Recently I posted on my Facebook page my objection to using the word 'thug' as it has been reserved by many in the media over the last few years to describe young African American men-whether actual criminal, alleged criminal, or a loud, bragging football player (remember Richard Sherman of the Seahawks?). Its use has been pervasive and troublesome enough to spark some real objections and debates over the word in blogs, newspapers, and magazines. Most recently, its use in describing protesters in Baltimore has been challenged. Read more... |
|
|
|
|
Join us for this important community discussion on race:
Wednesday, May 13th, 7:30 pm Congregation Beth El
222 Irvington Avenue, South Orange, NJ.
Professor Michael Jeffries, author and professor of American Studies at Wellesley, will lead the discussion. Following his comments, small groups will share experiences and questions in order to better understand the phenomenon of micro-aggressions. More...
|
|
|
|
|
The Annual Cultural Heritage Festival, one of the region's most exciting and diverse events, is returning for its second season to Maplewood Memorial Park on June 6th from 11 am to 5 pm (rain date June 7th). This free event celebrates the culture, arts, and community spirit of the region by bringing together a variety of talented performers who showcase the many cultures in our community and throughout NJ. Details here.
|
| Two Towns - Many Stories |
|
|
The discussion of the Junot Diaz and Toni Morrison short stories at [words] Bookstore were powerful! Participants considered Integration and the intersection of race, ethnicity, class, gender, and related these ideas to their own lives and experiences here in our towns.
|
| Planning Ahead |
|
|
Planning Ahead is a workshop developed and presented by parents for the benefit of parents of middle school students. The workshop teaches parents how to read the Course Offerings Guide, how to plan backwards, and offers proven strategies for early college planning. We also discuss how to manage the complications of sports and learning disability. More
|
| Coffee House Conversations |
|
|
Each year at Conversations on Race people ask if we can host more frequent, casual conversations-especially when they are so many emerging race-related issues across the nation. Led by a group of enterprising trustees, we are planning to answer that call. Look for information about the first Coffee House Conversation coming up this June!
|
| Heritage Bird House Project |
|
|
Tell your family heritage story through the centuries-old practice of using gourds that are enhanced by the individual artist. The first workshop started last week, but there's still time to join!
|
|
Other Community Events
|
|
|
Hair Spray the musical is presented by The Strollers at the Burgdorff Center For the Performing Arts in Maplewood. The musical is a commentary on the injustices of parts of American society in the 1960's. The production runs May 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, &16 at 8PM and May 3 &10 at 2PM. More
|
|
|
|
|
