On Thursday, February 4th at 7:30 PM, the South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race, SOMA Action Racial Justice Committee, and SOMA Justice will partner to bring Black History to life through a virtual presentation and conversation with Civil Rights activist, Joanne Bland.

Ms. Bland began her activism in 1961 at the age of 8, attending a freedom and voters' rights meeting presided over by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and later participated on the front lines at age 11 on "Bloody Sunday", March 7, 1965 crossing the Edmund Pettis Bridge with John Lewis and others.

This virtual event is a great opportunity for youth, as well as adults, to hear first-hand about this day and other historic events that took place on our country’s continuing journey towards racial equality.

Ms. Bland’s presentation will be followed by a Q&A with participants. If you are unfamiliar with John Lewis, or "Bloody Sunday" we recommend that you watch a documentary on the subject. "John Lewis: Good Trouble is a film you can rent or stream for a fee. You can also search for "John Lewis" and or "Bloody Sunday Selma" on the internet.