The South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race is hosting its 20^th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance and Luminary Project on January 18, 2021 at 2:00 PM. This year’s event will be shared virtually via YouTube "Live" using this link https://youtu.be/hkh36SYKLm8. Everyone is welcome to participate—no account is needed.

At a time when our nation is simultaneously battling COVID19, economic challenges, and blatant racial injustices & inequities, the Community Coalition on Race’s goal for this year’s observance is to instill hope and sustain resilience locally. So, the MLK Planning Committee has chosen "Community in Times of Challenge and Controversy" as the theme for this year. 

Together, our community will reflect on and celebrate the spontaneous events, expanded programs, social justice protests and rallies, and other efforts that held South Orange and Maplewood together throughout 2020. The virtual format will feature reflections on Dr. King’s legacy shared by Andrea McChristian, Law & Policy Director at the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, along with, a CHS Special Dance Company performance, music by The Bufford’School of Music, spoken word, and premieres videos.

This year, our traditionally song We Shall Overcome will be led virtually by a SOMA community chorus. The Observance will end with an invitation for our community to light luminaries outside at sunset (5:00 PM) as a symbol of solidarity with Dr. King’s vision of equality and the Beloved Community. To purchase Luminaries, email [email protected] for contactless pick-up at 15 Coolidge Rd., Maplewood from 1:00 - 3:00 PM Saturday January 16 and Sunday, January 17 and from 3:15 - 4:30 on Monday, January 18th. 

Many thanks to our sponsor of this year's observance, the Allison Ziefert Real Estate Group.

The South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race is a 501(3c) organization focused on racial integration whose mission is to build and sustain a community that is racially, culturally and socially integrated and truly inclusive where there is equity and equality for all.  For more information about the Community Coalition on Race, visit www.communitycoalitiononrace.org.