The South Orange Maplewood Community Coalition on Race is a nationally-recognized, progressive, grassroots community group committed to racial integration and equity. It was founded in 1996 by a diverse group of volunteers concerned about the under-representation of people of color in the civic life of our towns, about realtor steering, about a perceived decline in the quality of schools, and about stagnating property values. During its early years, the Coalition focused on establishing residential integration by introducing realtor testing and by marketing the towns based on the benefits of diversity. The result was a complete reversal of the white-flight trend. The decade between 2000 and 2010 saw a degree of stable residential racial integration that few other communities anywhere could boast of.

Our commitment to intentional integration has taken on even greater significance amid the nationwide protests in response to police brutality and racial injustice. We remained steadfastly committed to addressing this through consistent advocacy, holding those in positions of power accountable, and by providing opportunities to bring people together in community building and dialogue. We foster the growth of authentic relationships among people of different racial and cultural backgrounds, and help people advance in their commitment to diversity by raising consciousness on issues like implicit bias, white privilege, and profiling. The Coalition advocates for equity and excellence in the schools and the elimination of the achievement gap. We connect with groups around the state and across the country who are looking to engage their own communities and organizations in intentional integration. We developed and provide anti-bias training to communities and organizations.

MLK Observance 2022

By South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race

MLK Observance 2022

Team Members