The Coalition’s Residential Committee is hosting Roadmap to Homeownership, an empowering event designed for first-time homebuyers and anyone interested in learning the steps to achieve homeownership. The informative session, led by William Vaughan, CFP Associate Partner & Wealth Advisor, will cover key topics such as how to secure a loan, understanding the homebuying process, and strategies for navigating the housing market. Whether attendees are just starting to explore homeownership or actively planning their next steps, this event will offer valuable insights and resources to help guide them.

The event will take place on March 13, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at The Baird Center.

Click the link to RSVP: https://www.communitycoalitiononrace.org/own_it_a_roadmap_to_homeownership

The Community Coalition on Race, in collaboration with the SOMA Adult School, is presenting Part II of the Deconstructing Racism series. This series consists of four modules*, focusing on "The Impact of White Supremacy" and "How to Disrupt White Supremacy." The sessions will explore how white supremacist ideology has affected people of color and the negative consequences it has had on white individuals, hindering the nation’s progress and development. The series will also examine various ways in which white supremacy and its associated racism can be disrupted and deconstructed through individual, group, government, and national efforts.

The sessions will take place on Mondays from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, running from March 3 to March 24, 2025, at Columbia High School.

Click the link to RSVP: https://www.communitycoalitiononrace.org/deconstructing_racism_workshop_part_ii

Infants and children up to 4 years old, accompanied by an adult, can enjoy a fun and energetic session with Ms. Tiffany of Boogie Woogie Babies. The event will last for 30-45 minutes and will take place in one of the first-floor craft rooms at the Baird Center, with entry through the side.

To RSVP click the link: https://bccls.libcal.com/event/14060876

Air Aerial Fitness to Unveil Stunning New Mural with Celebration in South Orange

South Orange, NJ – Air Aerial Fitness is thrilled to invite the community to a vibrant Mural Unveiling Party on Sunday, February 23, at 3:00 PM at 15 Valley Street, South Orange, NJ. This special event will celebrate the unveiling of a brand-new mural by the talented artists @michaelandviktorija.

Guests will have the opportunity to experience the artwork up close while enjoying complimentary refreshments in a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase from Evermore Spirits.

This unveiling party promises to be a fantastic opportunity to connect with local artists, fitness enthusiasts, and community members while celebrating creativity and expression.

Event Details:
📍 Location: Air Aerial Fitness, 15 Valley St, South Orange, NJ
📅 Date: Sunday, February 23, 2025
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to celebrate art, community, and fitness in the heart of South Orange. Join us for an afternoon of creativity, connection, and fun!

The Botanica Boutique & Angie Enger Coaching Present "Feel Your Self" Market & Mini Workshop

South Orange, NJ – The Botanica Boutique is excited to partner with Angie Enger Coaching to host "Feel Your Self" Market & Mini Workshop on Friday, February 21, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at 70 Taylor Place, South Orange, NJ.

This unique event invites guests to explore a thoughtfully curated selection of intimacy products designed to soothe, still, and invigorate. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet Angie Enger for a free, private Quick Start session, designed to help individuals embrace self-intimacy and cultivate a fulfilling, pleasure-filled life.

In addition to engaging discussions and product exploration, guests will enjoy complimentary seltzers and sweet treats, as well as an exclusive 10% discount on all purchases made at The Botanica Boutique during the event.

Event Details:
📍 Location: The Botanica Boutique, 70 Taylor Place, South Orange, NJ
📅 Date: Friday, February 21, 2025
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

This event is a must-attend for those looking to prioritize self-care, deepen their understanding of self-intimacy, and connect with a like-minded community in a welcoming and empowering space.

South Orange, NJ – February 19, 2025 – The Pierro Gallery is proud to announce the opening night of Black Art Unveiled, an exciting exhibition that showcases the vibrant, powerful contributions of local Black artists. The exhibition, which opens on February 19th, offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience a diverse array of artwork that celebrates the rich stories, experiences, and heritage of the African American community.

The opening night event will take place from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Pierro Gallery, located in South Orange, New Jersey. This captivating evening will offer guests the first opportunity to view the stunning artwork, meet the artists, and immerse themselves in the cultural richness of the exhibit.

The Black Art Unveiled exhibition will run from February 19th through March 28th, providing ample time to engage with a variety of works that reflect the depth and creativity of the local Black artistic community. Each piece tells a unique story and invites viewers to connect with the African American experience through the lens of art.

This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a celebration of art’s power to inspire, connect, and educate. It is a testament to the creativity, resilience, and vision of Black artists, offering a platform for their voices and perspectives to resonate in the cultural landscape.

Black Art Unveiled offers an opportunity for reflection and conversation, and we hope it will inspire all who attend to explore the deep history and enduring legacy of African American culture.

The event is free and open to the public. Visitors are encouraged to attend the opening night and take part in this significant cultural celebration.

For more information, please visit https://southorange.org/266/Pierro-Gallery.

About Pierro Gallery
Located in South Orange, NJ, the Pierro Gallery is committed to bringing diverse and thought-provoking art to the community. Through a range of exhibitions and programs, the gallery fosters cultural understanding and creative expression.

Exhibit Details
Opening Night: February 19, 2025 | 6:30-8:30 PM
Exhibition Dates: February 19 - March 28, 2025
Location: Pierro Gallery, South Orange, NJ

Meadowland Park to Shine Bright with Largest MLK Day Luminary Display in SOMA

[South Orange, NJ] — Meadowland Park will be transformed into a breathtaking tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as the community comes together for the largest MLK Day luminary display in South Orange and Maplewood (SOMA). In partnership with the Community Coalition on Race, this powerful installation will illuminate the park with hundreds of luminaries, enhanced by special lighting and video projections made possible through equipment donated by the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC).

Each luminary will carry a dual purpose: not only will they light up the night in honor of Dr. King’s legacy, but they will also serve as a beacon of hope for those in need. Every luminary will be weighted down with canned food, which will be donated to a local food pantry following the event.

Community members are encouraged to participate by bringing canned food donations to the Skate House beginning at 2 PM on Saturday, January 20. The event will culminate in a ceremonial lighting at 5 PM, featuring local officials, after which attendees are invited to explore the luminous installation throughout the park.

We honor Dr. King’s message of service, unity, and hope—one light at a time.