nonprofit organization working for a community that is truly inclusive and racially integrated—free of segregation in housing patterns and community involvement. A2002 ANNUAL REPORT JANUARY 1, 2002—DECEMBER 31, 2002 of those subsequently receiving tours given has resulted in–using marketing parlance– Dear Neighbors: by community volunteers. With data still a positive “buzz” about our community incomplete, we know that about 12% of locally, statewide and nationally. Frankly, t is a pleasure to present to you the individuals receiving information will we’re hot! Annual Report of the South Orange/ purchase homes while the return in terms We also understand that our activities IMaplewood Community Coalition on of home sales is even higher– approximately cannot be successful if we view our commu- Race. The work described on these pages 20%-of those who took tours. This nity in a vacuum. There is strength in could not have been done without the time translates into real dollars in terms of tax numbers. We have participated in a number and investment of a large number of dedi- revenues–and increases in property values. of activities to promote and support other cated volunteers and supporters. ✦ Our pro-integrative second mortgage organizations wishing to join us in creating This is an organization of volunteers who program has been re-energized through a the communities of tomorrow, today. Toward attempt to live the vision of Dr. Martin fine-tuning and has resulted in an increase in this end, we co-sponsored a meeting hosted Luther King, Jr. (and many of those who applications and awarding of loans. by former Gov. Tom Kean exploring what a similarly sacrificed for equal justice) each day ✦ Our partnership with a regional fair statewide pro-integrative policy might look of the year–working for his vision of a housing council, MUSE, has resulted in a like. We were honored by the American “beloved community.” It is important to financial settlement with a Realtor found Psychological Association at their annual remember that we were founded in 1996 to have engaged in problematic behavior. conference in Chicago as one of two groups when a group of citizens from different races Proceeds of that settlement will fund recognized for exemplifying the principles of and backgrounds joined together to preserve continued oversight of compliance with valuing diversity. And, we partnered in pre- that element so rare in suburban communi- the Fair Housing Act. senting a national conference in Cleveland, ties and so valued here– our integration. Just ✦ Hundreds of residents participated in Ohio focusing on pro-integrative initiatives over six short years ago, residents expressed educational and philosophical discussions across the US–at which our work was exam- major concerns that our community was related to our mission through our forums, ined as a model for other communities. in an “irreversible downward spiral” due to, fairs, study circles, workshops and events. What a joy it was for us to announce to among other things, stagnant property ✦ Our Schools Committee significantly that group that our community had been values and a perception of white flight. The supplemented the efforts of the School chosen by Money Magazine as one of the Coalition developed several key goals includ- District in addressing academic achievement best places to live in the United States. We ing the promotion of strong and sustained issues–introducing a national expert into the have defied conventional wisdom–those robust demand by all racial groups for discussion and action plan. nay-sayers that opined that unique commu- housing in all areas of our community, more ✦ The work of the Marketing nities like ours couldn’t survive! 1996 seems inclusive involvement of underrepresented Committee continues to be extra-ordinary. so long ago. Indeed, with your support groups in the civic life of the community and This committee has had a major impact in and participation, we are thriving and will ongoing dialogue to promote understanding shaping the positive perceptions of our com- continue this important work! on race-related issues. Activities highlighted munity through placement of advertise- in this report during this past year evidence ments, and “pitches” resulting in articles in In community, our movement toward our goals. Successes NJ Savvy Living Magazine, NJ Monthly are almost too numerous to list. Here are Magazine, NY Times, Star Ledger, Victorian Robert A. Marchman but a few: Home Decorating, and This Old House CHAIRMAN ✦ 324 packets of information were sent Magazine, to name a few. We’ve also to prospective neighbors interested in learn- appeared on CNN and been heard about on Barbara Heisler Williams ing more about our two towns, with over 56 NPR nationwide. This work over the years EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR P.O. Box 1309 Maplewood NJ 07040 ✦ 973-761-6116 ✦ [email protected] ✦ www.twotowns.org Activities ince its formation, the Coalition has ✦ Beyond the Whiteness of Whiteness— public libraries and Seton Hall University S promoted public discussion as a an author’s reading with Jane Lazarre to present the first-ever community wide primary tool for maintaining a healthy, ✦ Closing the Achievement Gap: book discussion in New Jersey—featuring integrated community. Clearly, all Challenges, Questions, Solutions featuring John Henry Days by Colson Whitehead. communities face numerous challenges Dr. Ron Ferguson The program included ten scheduled that require creative approaches to ✦ 3rd Annual Independence Eve events such as book discussions, the problem solving. Those that are successful Celebration of Vision author’s reading, and a community forum are using effective ways to help people ✦ Faith and Race: Vision and Harmony on Race, Media and Myth in Pop talk respectfully about important issues, with Rev. William Sinkford Culture. The book explores the lives of understand one another, and work two men, contrasting the Industrial Age, together for lasting solutions. SPECIAL PROGRAMS which literally killed John Henry, with In our two towns, our diverse citizenry the digital age, which is destroying the provides us with exceptional opportunities 2002 saw the growth of a partnership protagonist’s soul—and discovers they for growth. Simply stated, people of sponsoring one program and the birth of are not so very different. Star Ledger different racial or cultural backgrounds a partnership to start another. book critic Bette Spiro called the choice can view the same situation quite “bold and innovative.” differently, and solutions that seem TWO TOWNS STUDY CIRCLES obvious to one group just do not work The Adult School and the FOCUS ON for another. The Coalition has worked Community Coalition continued their THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP to encourage open dialogue within the partnership to present the Two Towns community about issues that many other Study Circles Program in our community. Across the country, communities are towns simply do not address–though Started in the Spring of 2001, Two Town focusing on one of the most vexing they exist there as well. Study Circles provide a simple way to problems in education: the academic At the forefront of our efforts have involve community members in dialogue achievement gap. In a nutshell white been our forums. These events have and action on important social and and Asian students score higher and take provided time for neighbors to learn and political issues. more advanced courses, on average, than think about issues before us in the context The Two Towns Study Circles Program do their black and Hispanic peers. The of race–our schools, our faith communi- brings diverse people together for dialogue Community Coalition has made a focus ties, the pro-integrative nature of our and action. While study circles can address on understanding and eliminating the work–and to talk about them candidly. many different issues, study circles in 2002 achievement gap a priority. In 2002, residents participated in the continued community discussions on race. Led by the Coalition’s Schools following discussions and activities: Nearly 100 participants to date have taken Committee, we invited Dr. Ronald Ferguson ✦ Making it More than A Dream— part in defining the issues and then finding of Harvard University to visit our 1st Annual MLK Celebration ways to address them. community and address administrators, ✦ Planning Ahead —a workshop for teachers, parents and other community members in a series of workshops held middle school parents TWO TOWNS: ONE BOOK ✦ Neighborhood Association workshop in May 2002. According to Dr. Ferguson, ✦ One Person Making A Difference — The Community Coalition joined “The achievement gap (singular) is a a conversation with Rev. Grace Jones with the Maplewood and South Orange misnomer. There are, in fact, many types Members of the Schools Committee Neighbors engaged in forum discussions Executive Committee members prepare for Two Towns: Expense Summary of achievement gaps between and among success—enabling us to exceed our groups of students. These gaps reflect fundraising goal! A wave of the bid card Program Expenses differences in academic performance to the committee members, and the Operating Expenses between poor and non-poor, rural and Coalition Youth Connection, for their non-rural, and white and black students, fine work. to name only a few. Noticeable achievement gaps often mask the academic potential ON THE WEB 20% of certain groups of students. Thus, we should distinguish between academic The Coalition’s website has become achievement gaps and student potential a source of information for potential for academic achievement, and we should neighbors and current residents alike. 80% strive to address both issues.” Dr. Ferguson For current residents, www.twotowns.org noted that we need to improve our hosts an events calendar, the Artist’s cultivation techniques (i.e., our strategies Network Calendar, copies of Coalition for cultivating achievement) so that more newsletters and reports on current students have opportunities to maximize Coalition initiatives and successes.