Community Coalition on Race to Host Annual Conversation at Seton Hall

The Community Coalition on Race of South Orange and Maplewood will host its annual Community Conversation on Race at 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 13, 2025 in Bethany Hall A at Seton Hall University. This year’s program, titled "Confronting the Backlash Against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion," will focus on the challenges of disinformation and its impact on racial equity.

Seton Hall is a strategic community partner in this event and in several other initiatives with the coalition throughout the year. Student scholars from the University’s Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership program are serving on the planning committee for this year's conversation.

The Community Coalition on Race is a nationally recognized nonprofit that works to build and sustain racially inclusive communities in South Orange and Maplewood. The organization presents more than 10 major programs annually, including "How to Teach Your Child About Race, Bystander Rights and Journey to Anti-Racism."

The Community Conversation on Race series began more than a decade ago. In 2019, Seton Hall hosted a previous conversation featuring Nell Painter, Ph.D., of Princeton University, who discussed her book The History of White People before an audience of approximately 200 attendees.

“Our relationships extend over the decades in various forms, from student-oriented service-learning projects in the 1970s to community development projects and interfaith dialogue initiatives in the 21st century,” said Reverend Forrest Pritchett, Ph.D., a longtime University partner in community engagement and helped to organize the event. “We are proud to continue to be a strategic resource to our neighbors in the surrounding Oranges, Maplewood, Irvington and Newark.”

The event will feature a thought-provoking panel discussion with local leaders, followed by small-group conversations where participants can reflect, share experiences and discuss actionable solutions.

For details on the event, visit the Community Coalition on Race website or the event page.

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