The South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race, in partnership with HS1 Arts & Education, recently completed its second set of Integrated Art Circle poetry workshops led by Maplewood artist, educator, and poet Heru Stewart (Ras Heru). The workshops, titled Tapestries: Stories In All Hues: Poetry Reading and Civic Workshops, brought together community members of all ages to explore artistic expression as both a personal and civic act.

Through a fusion of poetry, visual art, guided writing, and discussion, participants reflected on history, identity, community, and the role of art in responding to injustice and resisting cultural erasure. No prior writing experience was required—only curiosity and a willingness to explore.

Heru Stewart, a five-time author, Dodge Poetry Festival poet, elementary school teacher, and founder of HS1 Arts & Education, created a welcoming and inspiring environment where participants ranging from fourth grade students to older adults felt encouraged to write and share their voices.

The first session featured special guest Ameerah Shabazz-Bilal, an award-winning poet, visual artist, teacher, photographer, and founder of “When Women Speak” and “When People Speak.” Known for poetry that captures the realities of urban life, resilience, and healing, Ameerah shared powerful readings alongside Heru that deeply moved participants.

Workshop prompts encouraged personal reflection and creativity. One prompt invited participants to begin with the phrase, “I release this story because…” Another encouraged attendees to draw inspiration from lines and themes in Heru’s own poetry. Participants then shared original poems with the group in what became a powerful experience of courage, creativity, and connection.

The workshops reflected the goals of the Coalition’s Integration Through the Arts initiative: using creative expression to bring together people of different races, ages, and cultural backgrounds while building authentic relationships across communities.