SOMA Living December 2024

COALITION ON RACE

24TH ANNUAL DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. OBSERVANCE, VOLUNTEER FAIR, AND LUMINARY LIGHTING

The Board of Directors and Staff of the Community Coalition on Race invite the public to our 24th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance, Volunteer Fair, and Luminary Lighting on Monday, January 20, 2025, at 3 p.m., at Columbia High School. This year’s theme, “Upholding Dr. King’s Legacy in Challenging Times” holds special significance as we gather to reaffirm our shared commitment to racial equity and inclusion at a time when these values face serious challenges. This free event draws hundreds of SOMA residents and friends from neighboring communities. It features keynote speakers Dr. Saladin Ambar and Ibi Zoboi, inspiring interfaith readings, music, dance, and a renewed call to honor Dr. King’s vision of service and unity. After the celebration, please join the reception and Volunteer Fair for community-building organizations. We also encourage everyone to participate in the family-friendly SOMA Luminary Project in January. Luminary kits are available at a variety of local businesses. After the observance, The Meadowlands Conservancy hosts a community luminary lighting around the pond in South Orange. Let’s light thousands of luminaries on January 20th to symbolize Dr. King’s Beloved Community. Learn more at communitycoalitiononrace.org.

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

GREG’S CROSSWORD PUZZLE: SOMA OR BUST!

ANSWERS ON PAGE 18

Greg Snitkin is a dad with 3 small kids and a resident of South Orange. His puzzles have appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Andrews McMeel Universal, and various indie outlets.

DECEMBER 2024 | SOMA LIVING 21

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