SOUTH ORANGE / MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The SOMA Black Parents Workshop announced its intention to file a lawsuit against the South Orange-Maplewood School District during a press conference Tuesday, Nov. 14, after data released by the district showed continued racial disparities and little improvement to the achievement gap in the district, especially at Columbia High […]
SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — The South Orange-Maplewood community had good times Saturday, Oct. 7, when acclaimed actor John Amos performed his one-man show, “Halley’s Comet,” at South Orange Middle School to raise money and support for the SOMA Black Parents Workshop and the MapSO Freedom School. The two partner organizations advocate for the academic success […]
SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — Acclaimed actor John Amos is bringing his talents to the stage in Maplewood to support the Black Parents Workshop and the MapSO Freedom School, two partner organizations that advocate for the academic success of Black students in South Orange and Maplewood. Amos is performing his one-man play “Halley’s Comet” on Saturday, […]
MAPLEWOOD / SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — The South Orange-Maplewood Community Coalition on Race presented its coffeehouse discussion “RACISM: It’s in Our Backyard Too” on Tuesday, Sept. 12, at The Woodland in Maplewood and tackled community issues surrounding local law enforcement, public school district inequities and the role that recent events in Charlottesville, Va., play on […]
MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The members of the Maplewood Township Committee unanimously approved a resolution that settles the severance payout to former Maplewood Police Capt. Joshua Cummis, who recently retired after being placed on administrative leave. Following the release of records from the July 5, 2016, clash between Maplewood police and many teenagers, many of whom […]
SOUTH ORANGE / MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education introduced a new social studies curriculum for grades six through eight at its Aug. 21 meeting and the decision came as a surprise to some parents and community members who did not know the program was being revised, and members of the SOMA […]
MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Following the events of July 5, 2016, in which Maplewood police officers are accused of using excessive force and attempting to herd rowdy teenagers into neighboring Irvington, one Maplewood teenager is fighting back and has filed a federal lawsuit against the Maplewood Police Department. Jason McDougall, 17, alleges that, during the July […]
MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Tuesday, Aug. 1, was an up and down night for the Maplewood Police Department. The evening started with the department’s National Night Out celebration, meant to strengthen bonds between police officers and the community they serve. The evening ended with Police Chief Robert Cimino being placed on administrative leave and being asked […]
UPDATE: At its Aug. 1 meeting, the Maplewood Township Committee unanimously passed a vote of no confidence, requesting the resignation of Maplewood Police Chief Robert Cimino. Effective immediately from that meeting, Cimino was placed on administrative leave, with pay, for 60 days. During the vote, the room was packed, with many more concerned residents standing […]
Community members highlight continuing insensitivity
SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — Prompted by recent controversies within the school district, a community healing event featuring the free showing of the Academy Award-nominated documentary “I Am Not Your Negro” and an open panel discussion were held Saturday, May 6, at Bow Tie Cinemas in South Orange in an effort to encourage open dialogue and […]