SOMA Living November 2024

COALITION ON RACE Have you ever wondered how the Coalition uses the money it raises? Donations from community members play a crucial role in advancing our mission of intentional integration, equity, and inclusion in South Orange and Maplewood. Here are some accomplishments from this year: YOUR DONATIONS AT WORK

Thank you for your support. We look forward to continuing this important work. You can make donations at communitycoalitiononrace.org.

Lighting, and Volunteer Fair, engaging nearly 2,000 people. Black History Month programs featured ‘Coming to Jersey: Black Families Tell Their Stories,’ where local Black residents shared their journeys to SOMA. Additionally, we collaborated with Durand-Hedden House on a Black maternal health panel and co-hosted the fifth annual Juneteenth celebration and documentary screening of ‘Gabriel’s Daughter: The Life and Legacy of Clara Brown.’ • We strengthened our community through the Wealth Gap Equalizer Loan program for Black and brown first-time homebuyers, with seven loans issued. Our BOE Candidates’ Forum and Realtor Conversations addressed equity issues, while SOMA Neighbors Connect and monthly Integrated Art Circles fostered social connections.

• We led educational programs, including targeted anti-bias and anti-racism training for groups and businesses, the “Deconstructing Racism” series, and the annual Conversations on Race. This year’s focus highlighted disinformation’s effect on racial equity, alongside the “Talking to Children about Race” workshop that helps raise race conscious kids. • We hosted signature events like the Dr. King Observance, Luminary

Robert A. Marchman, Chair of the Board of Trustees Nancy Gagnier, Executive Director

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

ANSWERS ON PAGE 28

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.

NOVEMBER 2024 | SOMA LIVING 21

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