“Coming to Jersey: Black Families Share Their Stories” February 11, 2024

Black residents of SOMA (South Orange and Maplewood) will share stories about how their families ended up in New Jersey and how and why they personally came here. The program will include family origins, photos, storytelling, and conversation with attendees. The program will be followed by a reception. SOMA residents who would like to share their family stories should submit a summary outline and their contact information by January 26, 2024 to Audrey Rowe at [email protected] . RSVP for the event here. Everyone is welcome to learn more about the diversity of experiences among Black families.

Program

• Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
• Location: The Woodland Parlor 64 Woodland Rd. Maplewood NJ 07040

Reception

• Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Location: Durand Hedden House 523 Ridgewood Rd, Maplewood NJ 07040

Co-sponsored by South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race, Durand Hedden House & Gardens and Maplewood Arts & Culture

Screening of the “Birthing Justice” Documentary February 29, 2024

This free screening launches a program on Black Maternal Health that will highlight the major racial disparities in deaths, complications, and treatment for Black mothers when compared to white mothers. Data show that Black mothers are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications with most of those maternal deaths being preventable. This documentary provides the foundation for forums in March and April that will consider the impact of racism on health, including biased care practices within clinical care, discriminatory hospital policies, and policy solutions and advocacy measures that support reform. Seating is limited, so please visit register here. Everyone is welcome!

Program

• Time: 7:00 PM
• Location: SOPAC Loft 1 SOPAC Way South Orange NJ 07079