As the South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race approaches its 30th anniversary in 2027, we're looking ahead with renewed purpose and commitment to our mission.

Throughout 2026, the Coalition's Board of Trustees, staff, and committee leaders have been engaged in a strategic planning process to reflect on our accomplishments, consider the challenges and opportunities ahead, and identify how we can strengthen our impact in the years to come.

For nearly three decades, the Coalition has worked to build and sustain an intentionally integrated, equitable, and inclusive community. While much has changed since our founding, the need for education, meaningful relationships across differences, and sustained action to advance racial equity remains as important as ever.

As part of this process, we have developed a renewed mission and vision that reflect both our founding commitments and our aspirations for the future.

Our Mission

To actively strengthen and sustain intentional integration, advance racial equity, and create an anti-racist community that fosters belonging.

Our Vision

We envision a model community that strives to be racially and culturally integrated and equitable; a community that fosters meaningful relationships, shared power, and a deep sense of belonging for all; and a community where people of all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds actively participate and thrive across economic, residential, political, civic, educational, and cultural life.

Our emerging strategic priorities focus on expanding community engagement and partnerships, strengthening our role in policy and advocacy, deepening anti-racist education and action, and using demographic research to better understand our changing community. We are also looking at ways to strengthen the Coalition's organizational and financial capacity so that we can sustain this work for years to come.

Community voices are an essential part of this process. In the coming weeks, we'll be sharing a community survey to hear from residents about their experiences, perspectives, and hopes for South Orange and Maplewood. Your input will help inform our priorities and shape the Coalition's work as we move forward.

We are excited about this next chapter and grateful to everyone who has contributed to the planning process so far. As we approach 30 years of working toward racial integration and equity, we remain committed to learning, connecting, and creating meaningful change—together.

Watch for our community survey link coming soon!