Coffee Discussions with the Community Coalition on Race

Who are today’s immigrants? The Community Coalition on Race’s 2016 Demographic Study found that 23% of SOMA residents are foreign born, and 41% of those are people of color. Come to the next Coffee House Discussion at Congregation beth El to explore in small groups the realities of our immigrant neighbors and how we can work to truly be a “Welcoming Community.” Coffee House Discussions (CHD) is an informal gathering for SOMA residents to openly share perspectives on pressing race-related issues and then to collectively explore local solutions. Each topic is selected based on recent local, regional or national occurrences that impact SOMA’s goal to be an inclusive community. Interest in such a series became especially strong after the Ferguson protests; since that time, there have been even more race-related events throughout different American communities. Past topics have included community policing and our youth; building better cross-racial relationships; and facing race and racism with our children. These quarterly sessions, organized by South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race, are held in cafes, synagogues, and other local venues over coffee. Groups of 8 to 10 people are assigned to each table with a goal of achieving a good racial mix. Each table then focuses on 2 or 3 suggested starter questions or chooses its own focus to address the topic. Ground rules and a facilitator are at each table to ensure a safe, civil, and productive discussion. Join us for this Coffee House Discussion by completing a Contact form at www.twotowns.org/contact/ with your name and race to enable diverse table assignments. For more information about the South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race and its mission and programs and to register for the monthly e-newsletter, visit www.twotowns.org or call 973-761-6116. Follow and like us on Facebook at Community Coalition on Race.