Message from the Executive Director,

Nancy Gagnier

The South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race is celebrating 15 years of community commitment to intentional integration-creating the conditions in which residents of all races can interact, form friendships, and participate fully in the community's economic, political, civic, and cultural life.   

Since 1996, the Coalition has used three key strategies to build an integrated community:  promoting strong and sustained robust demand by all racial groups for housing in every area of our community; taking proactive steps to ensure all people of any race can participate fully in all aspects of community life; and promoting dialogue and understanding on race-related issues.

How can you join the celebration?  Volunteer, donate, attend a Coalition-sponsored event, come to the annual dinner in October!

SAVE THE DATE!

Through the Lens of Integration

Residents were coached by local professional photographers in a photography workshop series which challenged participants to focus their lenses on the community, creating images that reflect the variety of people and relationships so rich in our two towns. Workshop leaders guided the photography lovers on both composition and digital camera use, teaching them new skills as they worked side by side with neighbors who became new friends. The workshop culminated in a June exhibit of selected images at  the Baird Center's Pierro Gallery in South Orange and as part of the 2011 Artist Studio Tour at the 1978 Arts Center of Maplewood.    

Conversations on Race

Nearly 90 local residents and municipal leaders joined in this event to view "The New Neighbors," a film by Andrea Torrice about Pennsauken, NJ which, like South Orange and Maplewood, actively pursued stable integration as a means to enhance the community in the face of demographic and economic change. For more information, click here. 

Realtor Focus Groups 

To gain a better understanding of the marketplace and how the Coalition on Race can continue to assist with marketing efforts that advance our communities, the Marketing Communications Committee has begun a series of focus groups with local Realtors.  

With participation from 4-6 realtors in three sessions so far over the past month, the series has been a means to focus on some of the issues that influence our local housing market and an opportunity to brainstorm positive actions and measures.

Community Events

May Fest, Memorial Day Parade, Celebrate South Orange

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?  

Dinners were held the second weekend of June to foster social integration and to raise funds for the Coalition on Race. Hosts developed intentionally integrated guest lists to make certain that each gathering achieved its mission of true inclusion. Guests all over the towns were treated to international fare and great company as well as introduced to the current efforts of the Coalition on Race.  For more information, click here.

Something New

Did you notice our refreshed logo? Maplewood graphic artist, Ann Henderson, has re-rendered the banner and vertical logo for the Coalition, allowing the organization to create a host of materials for all mediums including electronic and web.  Thanks Ann!  To contact Ann, call 201-230-2707.

Welcome to Our Summer Intern!  

Christopher Kearns McCoy, CHS sophomore, and Titilayo Osho, CHS junior, join the Coalition on Race through YouthNet's summer mentor program.  We're looking forward to teaching Chris and "Titi" about nonprofit work and we're thrilled to have eager, extra hands in the office this summer.  

Upcoming Events:  



Get Ready for Coalition Month in October!

Mark your calendar for our Annual dinner on October 1^st and visit the website, www.towotowns.org, for more information on our annual Report to the Community, the Two Towns Sing-ins, and a new  Planning Ahead Workshop for Middle School Parents.