SOMA Living April 2026

COALITION ON RACE

The Community Coalition on Race will host two poetry workshops this April as part of its Integrated Art Circles series, which brings community members of different races and backgrounds together INTEGRATED ART CIRCLES: POETRY WORKSHOP

through shared artistic experiences. The program, supported in part by a grant from the Essex County Local Arts Program, reflects the Coalition’s broader commitment to using the arts as a bridge for connection, understanding and dialogue across difference. “Tapestries: Stories In All Hues,” will be led by Maplewood based artist and educator Heru Stewart (aka Ras Heru), in partnership with HS1 Arts & Education. These free events will be held on April 23rd and May 7th at the Maplewood Memorial Library. Attendees will engage in a fusion of poetry, visual art and guided writing. Together, they’ll explore how creative expression can serve as communal acts of affirmation and protest against erasure. Participants will write, share ideas and discuss how artistic creation can help communities respond to injustice while celebrating resilience. Stewart is a five-time published author, Dodge Poetry Festival poet and founder of HS1 Arts & Education. In addition to his creative work, he is an elementary school teacher and teaching artist whose workshops encourage reflection, storytelling and dialogue. Visit communitycoalitiononrace.org for event updates, plus, look for the 2026 Conversations on Race details set for May 12th.

Nancy Gagnier, Executive Director of the South Orange/ Maplewood Community Coalition on Race, develops pro-integrative strategies to support racial equity and inclusion.

APRIL 2026 | SOMA LIVING 23

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