Community Forum: Segregation and Reparation in SOMA

Join The Jersey Bee, SOMA Justice, SOMA Action, and the South Orange Community Coalition on Race for a conversation about something that shapes daily life in Essex County: segregation.

New Jersey was known as the “slave state of the North” for its role in maintaining the institution. The Klu Klux Klan marched through nearby streets before the federal government began formally redlining Black communities in the 1930s – deeming them investment risks. But nearly forty years after the passage of the Civil Rights and Fair Housing acts, Essex County is still one of the most segregated areas in the United States.

Join us on Oct. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at The Woodland in Maplewood to learn about segregation in New Jersey and the movements working toward reparation.

You’ll learn how systemic discrimination impacts housing, healthcare, education, and other basic needs and connect with your neighbors to share your experiences. Your questions and input will guide The Jersey Bee’s reporting on segregation and reparation.

Light refreshments will be provided.

A limited number of stipends are available for people who cannot attend this event because of a financial burden like having to pay for childcare, moving a work shift, purchasing a bus ticket, etc.

Stipends can be requested during registration.

The Jersey Bee is dedicated to building respectful, inclusive community spaces. We ask attendees to be considerate of others in speech and actions and refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior. Inappropriate behavior should be reported to a member of our team.

For the health and safety of our community, we ask anyone experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms not to attend this event. Attendees are welcome to wear a face mask as needed. Face covering may become required if facility managers or public health officials advise it at the time.

The Jersey Bee is a nonprofit, public service news provider that works with the people we serve to produce news and reporting that meets local information needs, inspires civic participation, and improves the quality of life in our community.

SOMA Justice is a community organization reimagining and creating the conditions in which justice, survival, and joy flourish through community building, education, advocacy, and direct action in South Orange and Maplewood.

SOMA CCR is a community organization that works to support the integration between South Orange and Maplewood by building and sustaining a community that is racially, culturally and socially integrated and truly inclusive where there is equity and equality for all.

SOMA Action is a grassroots organization working with community members in South Orange, Maplewood, and other neighboring communities to drive progressive change for social issues like racial justice, climate action, and education.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Woodland, 60 Woodland Road, Maplewood, United States