SOMA Living September 2025

Join the Community Coalition on Race for an inspiring evening at their annual gala on Thursday, October 16, at 7 p.m. The event takes place at the Orange Lawn Tennis Club and celebrates the mission of building a racially, culturally, and socially integrated community. This year, the Coalition will honor Audrey Rowe, who served as program director for 23 years. Audrey developed innovative programs that advanced the Coalition’s goals and mobilized many volunteers to help bring these initiatives to life. “This work not only enriched our community but also brought us closer together,” she stated. The evening will also feature a special memorial tribute to Carol Barry-Austin, a founding trustee who demonstrated unwavering leadership for over 28 years. Carol advocated for equity in schools, fighting for reduced academic tracking and greater support for students of color. Her mentorship of trustees, executive directors, and volunteers significantly influenced the Coalition’s growth and impact. Attendees can enjoy live music from the Essex Funk Collective, along with a cocktail hour, dinner, and a spirited auction. Tickets and sponsorship information are available at communitycoalitiononrace.org. October holds special meaning for the townships of Maplewood and South Orange, as they recognize it as Coalition Month. The Coalition also invites the community to a public forum focused on school integration initiatives. This event provides an opportunity to reflect, learn, and commit to a more inclusive South Orange-Maplewood Area (SOMA). Don’t miss this chance to celebrate and support a united community! CELEBRATING INTEGRATION: ROOTED IN HISTORY, RISING TOWARD JUSTICE COALITION ON RACE

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

SEPTEMBER 2025 | SOMA LIVING 19

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