The following is from the South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race:
After a truly inspiring night at the #NotInOurTwoTowns open-mic event with hundreds of South Orange and Maplewood residents, the South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race applauds the work that is being done by our community. The recent race-based killings and a retaliation against police in other parts of the nation are tragedies that cannot be ignored. Our mission, as it has been for the past 20 years, is to build and sustain a community that is racially, culturally and socially integrated and truly inclusive, where there is equity and equality for all. Annual events and programs like Conversations on Race, Talking to Children about Race, Integration through the Arts, and Cultural Competency Training are intended to bring this mission to life.
We are proud to support the #NotInOurTwoTowns pledge, which is a testament to the strength of SOMa. Working in conjunction with other organizations, the Coalition on Race makes it a priority to respond to racial injustices, such as the most recent national killings by and of police. The open-mic event would not have been possible without the leadership of the SOMa Clergy Council with the support of the South Orange Village Township trustees, the Maplewood Township Committee, Columbia High School students and alumni, the My Life Matters youth group and the Community Coalition on Race.
Our towns are responding strongly to the recent events and many people want to do more. The South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race offers five concrete action steps:
One: Come out to the XRootsFest (Cross-Roots-Fest) at Flood’s Hill in South Orange on Saturday, July 16 as a positive opportunity to meet violence with music and inter-group solidarity. There will be a mass signing on banners for both towns that say, “South Orange/Maplewood – Not in Our Two Towns,” as an affirmation of a pledge that takes a stand against systemic racism and violence.
Two: Sign the Commitment Petition at Notinourtwotowns.com
Three: While you’re at XRootsFest on Saturday, pick up the Coalition on Race’s brochure ‘Speak Up! Against Bias’ with advice on how to personally combat bias and racism.
Four: Watch for more events from the young people who started #Notinourtwotowns.
Five: Continue the conversation at our upcoming Coffee House Discussion this August. Read about our mission focus areas below and get involved in one that connects with your passion for racial justice. Learn more by visiting www.twotowns.org/programs/committees/
What we do at the Coalition is directly intended to prevent the inequalities and inequities that result from racism. Our focus is on four major areas: schools, community engagement, marketing communications and residential. Within those areas, we strive to build positive relations among different racial groups; ensure equity for all students; promote the welcoming and inclusive nature of our towns; and encourage the shared civic engagement that is so vital to a strong, stable, and healthy community. We will continue to serve the community with a dedicated focus to our mission as we face these difficult times and strive to be a model for other communities.
