Maplewood/South Orange Offers Unique Diversity, Helped by Community Coalition on Race

Sponsored By SOMA Community Coalition on Race

The South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race is a nonprofit committed to building a unique, suburban community that is free of racial segregation in housing patterns and community involvement.

Created By Brownstoner

Thinking of moving to the Maplewood/South Orange area? One aspect of the New Jersey community that has long been a source of pride is the area’s racial diversity.

That’s not by accident. For 20 years the SOMA Community Coalition on Race has worked to make this a reality. Founded in 1996 by a group of local residents, the 501(c)3 nonprofit works to build and sustain an integrated, inclusive community by organizing community forums on important topics; hosts the annual MLK Observance & Volunteer Fair, where speakers offer expert opinions on racial justice and equity issues; and puts together Integration through the Arts programs for adults and youth of all races to connect through common interests.

But the Coalition’s achievements extend beyond merely hosting events. The SOMA communities are integrated, achieved in no small part by the Coalition’s affirmative marketing program, which includes outreach to prospective home buyers who quickly discover that racial diversity and integration have a positive impact on property values. In the last decade, SOMA’s housing values are among the fastest-rising in the state of New Jersey.

One reason for the steady rise in property value is the integration of SOMA’s schools. Studies show that students who attend racially diverse schools are socially more tolerant and more adaptable than peers who attend racially monochromatic schools.

The Coalition’s work with the Board of Education is one example of how their model works: During contested board elections, the committee invites candidates to explain how they will assure that all students, regardless of race, will succeed academically and socially.

Similarly, the Coalition offers diversity training and workshops for teachers, who earn professional development credits. New teachers are presented to the community at a New Teacher Orientation followed by a tour of the towns.

For parents of children ages 6 months to 5 years, the Coalition’s Integrated Playgroup offers a place where children become socialized into a racially diverse community, while their parents make new friends.

By modeling integration into everyday life — everyone goes to the same stores, schools and parks — the Coalition has created a rarity: a diverse and integrated community where social values are shared and property values are on the rise.

For more information go the SOMA Community Coalition on Race website here.

[Photos by Jamie Meier via SOMA Community Coalition on Race unless noted otherwise]