SOMA Living October 2024

COALITION ON RACE

YEAR-END EVENTS

Join the Community Coalition on Race for our free year-end programs! The Schools Committee invites you to learn about the seven candidates vying for three open seats at the annual Board of Education Candidates’ Forum on October 29th at 7:30 p.m. This discussion will focus on candidates sharing their visions for racial equity and integration, as well as how schools can best encourage and support students of all races to excel. In November, the Schools Committee will host a free Preschool Open House for families with young children. This event will showcase local preschools, daycares, aftercare, and enrichment programs for residents of SOMA and surrounding communities. The evening will begin with a presentation on selecting a preschool and discussing the importance of preschool experiences in fostering kindergarten readiness. Afterward, attendees can visit exhibitors. This year proved powerful for our Integration through the Arts program. With support from the NJ State Council on the Arts through the Essex County Local Arts Program and private funds, we hosted eight Integrated Arts Circles led by local professional artists. The circles and artists are excited to share their work at the Integrated Art Circles Showcase on November 17th at 2 p.m. at SOPAC Loft in South Orange. More details will follow, and registration can be found 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.

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