Musical explores injustice, antisemitism

Musical explores injustice, antisemitism

By Debbie L. Hochberg, Correspondent WEST ORANGE, NJ — The musical “Parade” now playing at the Maurice Levin Theater at the JCC in West Orange, tells the true, heart-wrenching story of a Jewish man living in Atlanta in 1913, who was wrongfully convicted of murdering a 13-year-old girl. Sadly, this story shows how easy it […]

SOMA Chamber picks new executive director

SOMA Chamber picks new executive director

MAPLEWOOD/SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — The SOMA Chamber of Commerce has hired long-time Maplewood resident Chris Dickson as their new executive director. “I am so thrilled to have Chris as our executive director,” said Chamber President Gary Jones. “His experience and connections to our community should have a real impact on the growth and success of […]

Third graders create black history museum

Third graders create black history museum

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Watsessing Elementary School in Bloomfield held its 10th annual Wax Museum as part of its Black History Month commemoration. The wax museum for third graders was all about learning about Black Americans who made a difference. Students selected an individual, wrote down facts about them, dressed up like them and stood as […]

IHS’s JROTC finishes impressive season

IHS’s JROTC finishes impressive season

IRVINGTON, NJ — The Irvington High School Junior ROTC squad has been crossing the state winning trophies both as a squad and as individuals. “Major Crosby Munro and myself are so proud of the cadets’ effort, teamwork, determination, and commitment to each other,” said Sgt. Harvey L. Craig, who helps lead the squad. “They used […]

Pipkins goes for four-peat state title

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Bloomfield High School senior Kira Pipkins, arguably the best girls wrestler in state history, is one win away from winning her fourth state girls wrestling championship. Pipkins won two matches in the 126-pound weight class in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s state tournament on Sunday, Feb. 26, at Phillipsburg High […]

Bloomfield HS to perform ‘Urinetown’

Bloomfield HS to perform ‘Urinetown’

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — The Bloomfield High School Thespian Society will perform “Urinetown,” a campy satire with outsized acting about a totalitarian government which prohibits private toilets and charges its citizens for the privilege of urinating in government urinals. “‘Urinetown’ is timeless,” said BHS theater teacher Brandon Doemling, “because it’s always in a state of disaster.” […]

President Obama’s portrait to join others in council chamber

President Obama’s portrait to join others in council chamber

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A locally commissioned and painted portrait of former President Barack Obama will join other presidents at the West Orange Municipal building. “A group of young people were touring the municipal building,” West Orange African Heritage Organization President Yvonne Nambe-Roach said. “At the end of the tour, some noted that the display […]

CCR holds Zoom workshops to deconstruct racism

CCR holds Zoom workshops to deconstruct racism

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The Community Coalition on Race is hosting a series of online workshops with the goal of deconstructing racism. “There is no black gene or white gene,” said Mikki Murphy, the main speaker at the most recent workshop. “Scientific research has determined that there can be more genetic variation within a race […]