The following press release is from the South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race:
MAPLEWOOD, N.J. and SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. — The South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race, a nationally recognized non-profit committed to building a unique, suburban community free of racial segregation in housing patterns and community involvement, today announced its plans to commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with the 23rd annual Observance event, Volunteer Fair and Luminary Project.
“Overcoming Silence & Inaction on Racial Justice,” is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 15 at 2 p.m. in the auditorium of Columbia High School (17 Parker Ave., Maplewood). The keynote speaker is Pastor Willie Francois III, senior pastor-elect of Fountain Baptist Church in Summit, N.J., president of the Black Church Center for Justice and Equality, and author of “Silencing White Noise: Six Practices to Overcome Our Inaction on Race”.
Additional highlights include the school’s Special Dance Company, Minority Achievement Committee Scholars and Chorus. The event will conclude with a Luminary Lighting Benediction with children from the community gathered on the stage.
“The Luminary Project offers a meaningful moment of reflection on Dr. King’s legacy and call to service,” said Community Coalition on Race Executive Director Nancy Gagnier. “As our nation and world navigate challenging times, we must unite, drawing inspiration from his vision of a Beloved Community, and together address the issues of today and work towards a better, more inclusive future.”
This year marks the return of the Community Coalition on Race’s Volunteer Fair, underscoring Dr. King’s legacy of community service. Immediately following the Observance, the fair will take place in the school’s cafeteria, providing visitors with an opportunity to connect with local organizations and explore ways to get involved in local causes of interest.
Since 2013, the Community Coalition on Race has invited locals to light up the outside of their homes or businesses with luminaries as the sun sets on the day we recognize Dr. King’s birthday. The goal is for thousands of homes in SOMA to be lit up as a sign of hope, sanctuary, peace, and solidarity with Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community. After the events at the high school, the day will culminate with the Luminary Lighting at Meadowland Park, where residents are encouraged to bring canned food, which will be used to weigh the luminaries down and later donated to a local food pantry.
Now available at local businesses in South Orange and Maplewood (listed below), the luminaries are white bags with tea lights inside and can be decorated with images of peace and community. A fundraiser for the Community Coalition on Race, they are sold four per pack for a suggested donation of $10 with limited LED versions for $15.
Dr. King’s Beloved Community is a global vision in which all people can share in the wealth of the earth. In the Beloved Community, poverty, hunger, and homelessness will not be tolerated. And racism and all forms of discrimination, bigotry and prejudice will be replaced by an all-inclusive spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood.
Residents can order luminaries online and pick up at the following locations
SOUTH ORANGE: Elitist Coffee Boutique; Oh! Canary; PetWants SOMA; Sparkhouse Toys; The Order
MAPLEWOOD: The Able Baker; General Store Cooperative; A Paper Hat; [words] Bookstore
The Luminary Project was started by South Orange resident Patricia Canning. The volunteers work with local youth groups to create the kits, oversee neighborhood luminary leaders and recruit businesses to be luminary purchase sites. To purchase kits for a large group or your residential block, email MLKLuminaryProject@gmail.com.
Learn more at www.communitycoalitiononrace.org.
