Learn, Connect and Create at these Spring events hosted by the Community Coalition on Race

This spring, the South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race invites the community to a series of engaging events for all ages. The season’s programs range from playgroups for young families to conversations about history and justice, as well as creative workshops that encourage storytelling and dialogue.

One World Playgroup
Saturday, April 11 at 11 a.m.

Hosted by the Coalition’s Schools Committee, One World Playgroup provides a welcoming space for parents of young children to get to know each other, and for children to play and socialize. Preschool-aged children will be guided in a social group led by local speech therapist Reesa Salomon and early childhood specialist Hannah Korn-Heilner. Exact location in SOMA will be provided to those who RSVP only. Advance registration is required.

Integrated Art Circles: Nigerian Igbo Dance
Saturday, April 11 at 3 p.m.

Experience an afternoon of vibrant movement with Umuoma Dance Troupe, a Nigerian Igbo dance group dedicated to preserving Igbo culture through traditional dance. This event will be part of the Coalition’s Integrated Art Circle. It will be held at 646 Prospect Church, Maplewood. The dance is full, but if you would like to be placed on the waitlist, RSVP here.

Author Talk: New York City Monuments of Black Americans
Sunday, April 19 at 11 a.m.

Co-hosted by the Ethical Culture Society, this program will feature author David Felsen who will discuss his book New York City Monuments of Black Americans: A History and Guide. Felson uncovered the powerful – and often overlooked – stories behind 30 monuments honoring Black Americans, including Harriet Tubman and Booker T. Washington. During the talk, he will explore both those stories and the long struggle for recognition in public spaces. The event takes place at the Ethical Culture Society, 516 Prospect Street, Maplewood.

Citizenship, Immigration, and Deportation: Then and Now
Thursday, April 23 at Noon

Co-sponsored with the National Council of Jewish Women of Essex County, this Lunch & Learn features Gary Darden, history professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University, who will explore contentious moments in U.S. immigration history and discuss how this time is — or is not — different from what history has shown us. Rabbi Anne Laurent, a Jewish chaplain with 10 years of hospital spiritual care experience in New Jersey, will lead a conversation on ways to take action and share her experiences witnessing the struggles of immigrants and their families at Delaney Hall in Newark. Register here: $40 members / $45 non-members (includes lunch). Exact South Orange location provided after registration.

Integrated Art Circles: Poetry Workshops
Thursday, April 23 & Thursday, May 7 at 5 p.m.

Artist and educator Heru Stewart (Ras Heru) will lead “Tapestries: Stories in All Hues.” In collaboration with HS1 Arts & Education, it's a two-part workshop that blends poetry, art, guided writing and discussion on storytelling and civic expression. Supported in part by a grant from the Essex County Local Arts Program, this event is part of the Coalition’s Integrated Art Circles series, which brings community members of different races and backgrounds together through shared artistic experiences. The workshop will be held at the Maplewood Memorial Library, 51 Baker Street.

Conversations on Race
Tuesday, May 12 (Time TBD)

Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring question, this year’s Conversations on Race asks “Where do we go from here—and why does it matter?” The event brings together an expert panel that will reflect on lessons from past struggles for justice and explore how communities can respond to today’s challenges. Speakers will be announced in the coming weeks. Held annually, this signature initiative returns to Seton Hall University, 400 South Orange Avenue, South Orange.

Juneteenth Celebration
Friday, June 19 (Time TBD)

Celebrate Juneteenth with an afternoon of community, learning and reflection at the picturesque, historic grounds of Durand-Hedden House & Garden. Planned in partnership with Durand-Hedden, this free annual tradition welcomes residents of all ages, features activities for adults and children, and an exhibit highlighting New Jersey’s complex history with slavery and the long road to emancipation. The celebration will be at 523 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood.

For more information and registration details, visit the Coalition’s website: www.communitycoalitiononrace.org/events