In this inaugural episode of the South Orange Village podcast, Mayor Sheena Collum and Councilman Bobby Brown discuss the current state of the community, highlighting various initiatives and projects and the importance of community engagement. They delve into the revitalization of local businesses, the opening of the Baird Community Center, and the ongoing River Greenway project aimed at enhancing connectivity. The conversation also touches on the transformative Library Connections project and the commitment to inclusive redevelopment and pedestrian safety in South Orange.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to South Orange: A New Era of Community Connection

02:32 Meet Mayor Sheena Collum: A Journey of Service

05:20 The State of South Orange: Community Updates and Initiatives

14:05 Enhancing Community Spaces: Parks and Recreation

26:32 Future Projects: River Greenway and Beyond

31:56 Exploring the River Greenway Project

37:19 Transformative Library Connections Project

43:30 Current Redevelopment Initiatives

50:51 Pedestrian Safety and Community Engagement

56:16 Celebrating Community Heritage and Future Plans

*Important Note: This podcast episode was originally recorded in February 2025, but due to unforeseen delays, some information has been updated to ensure it's still relevant. Thanks for your understanding!

South Orange Village proudly joins the entire community in celebrating Black History Month. This year's national theme is "African Americans and the Arts". In the latest episode of “Our Voices”, you will get to listen to Dwight Carter, a renowned photographer, and long-time South Orange resident since the early 80s.

During his college years, a professor recommended that he pursue photography at ArtCenter College of Design in California. Initially drawn to capturing images of women, he began his professional journey with Richard Avedon, a prominent fashion photographer. Realizing that fashion photography wasn't his true passion, he established his own business focusing on portrait photography.

Throughout his career, he has photographed notable figures such as Arthur Ashe, Oprah Winfrey, Nina Simone, and Dr. Mae Carol Jemison, the first African American woman astronaut at NASA. In 2023, his stunning portrait of Toni Morrison was coupled with the collector's edition of her USPS postage stamp.

Carter aims to highlight the beauty within the African American community through his photography. Alongside individual portraits, his portfolio includes a wide array of prints, spanning from photographs taken during his military service, images of Black Cowboys, to snapshots of the Dance Theatre of Harlem in Egypt.

Tune in to our host, Dustin Dumas, in a conversation with Dwight Carter. They delve into his journey from experimenting with his brother's forgotten camera kit to becoming a highly sought-after black photographer in an industry lacking diversity.

Website: https://www.dwightcarter.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwightcarterphotography/

South Orange Village proudly celebrates Black History Month with the entire community. This year, the national theme is "African Americans and the Arts".

In this episode of “Our Voices”, you will have the opportunity to meet Monica Eryn Johnson, who grew up in South Orange and describes her experience growing up here as magic and recognized the immense talent in the community.  Talent must be in the water because, during the pandemic, Monica stepped out of her comfort zone and decided to take up the piano.  And take it up she did….  Inspired by her mom who passed of Scleroderma, she decided to teach herself piano, and in 2022 she released her 8-track album on Spotify called, Evolution which showcased classical music played by her. 

Join host Dustin Dumas as she converses with Monica about her resilient journey and determination to overcome the challenges of the pandemic. Monica's story highlights the importance of self-improvement and visualizing one's future. Leveraging her marketing background, she released her album with the help of “community” and also raised funds for the Scleroderma Foundation.

Explore Monica's full album "Evolution" can be found on Spotify and various music streaming platforms. For more about Monica, visit her website at https://www.mojoglowmua.com

South Orange Village proudly joins the entire community in celebrating Black History Month. This year's national theme is "African Americans and the Arts". Dive into a special edition of “Our Voices” to explore a different side of James Davis III. Known locally as a father, SOPAC Board Member, Chair of Black Parents Workshop, and attorney, James also reveals his musical talents. His journey began in 4th grade when he fell in love with music through the Baritone. James is the founder of Black Rogue Music & Sound, where he not only plays instruments on his original compositions but also collaborates with various organizations on creating musical scores, editing, and sound mixing.

In an engaging conversation, our host, Dustin Dumas, uncovers James's passion for music and delves into the intersection of race and the music industry. For a glimpse of James's work, visit the Black Rogue Music & Sound webpage at https://www.blackroguemusicgroup.com.

The Our Voices Podcast for Black History Month 2024 will showcase interviews with four South Orange artists: Anthony Ellis, the author of Climbing the Summit; James Davis III, a musician and the proprietor of Black Rogue Music & Sound; Monica Eryn Johnson, a pianist who embarked on her musical journey during COVID and recently released an album titled Evolution; and Dwight Carter, a photographer known for his iconic photo of Toni Morrison, which was featured on a USPS stamp in 2023. These artists will be interviewed by Dustin Dumas, the award-winning producer of SOMAtv. Don't miss out on the podcast available on all streaming platforms.

South Orange Village proudly celebrates Black History Month with the entire community. This year, the national theme is "African Americans and the Arts". In this segment of “Our Voices”, you will have the opportunity to meet local South Orange Author Anthony Ellis, the author of “Climbing the Summit”. His book delves into his experiences growing up as a black male in Summit, NJ during the 90s, raised by a single mom. Amidst affluent surroundings where he stood out, his story reflects on the challenges he faced. Inspired by his wise grandmother and friends, he pursued his dreams. The essence of the 90s in New Jersey comes alive in his writing.

Our host, Dustin Dumas, engaged Anthony in conversations about his upbringing, the journey of being a black author in America, and how he is realizing his aspirations.

To buy the book "Climbing the Summit," you can find it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other bookstores.

Facebook

South Orange Village is honored to celebrate Black History Month within the South Orange Community. This year's national theme is Black Health & Wellness.

Please join South Orange Village Trustee, Bobby Brown, as he has an intimate conversation with local resident Ahmad Russell, who founded the non-profit organization, The Cipher Foundation, Inc., which is dedicated to Men’s support and community outreach. In an effort to facilitate further reach and provide more knowledge for the black community, he created a digital space, The Cipher Life, where black men's physical, mental, spiritual, and social health is prioritized.  Now sit back and listen to real conversations on how Black History Month, Black Men’s Health and Black Legacy intersect.  Then go and connect with the Cipher Life on Instagram (@the_cipher_life).

The Cipher Life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_cipher_life

Learn More or Support The Cipher Foundation: https://theciphermen.com

South Orange Village is honored to celebrate Black History Month with the South Orange Community. This year's national theme is Black Health & Wellness.

Jacqueline Murphy, local nutritionist, speaks with Donna Hendricks about how to help parents and caregivers guide their children to understanding why healthy food choices are important.  Ms. Murphy also discusses how to help highly selective eaters to discover that new foods can be fun and exciting.

Jacqueline Murphy Brief Bio: Jacqueline Murphy served as the Nutrition Manager for local Headstart programs for over 20 years before her retirement. She served as a consultant for the federal government for Headstart and monitored programs for nutrition services throughout the United States. She also provided nutrition and wellness training for local colleges and community programs.

Selected Resources to Get You Going

If you would like to learn more about helping your children develop healthy eating habits, please take a look at some of the books and websites below. Please also take a look at the Turn Knowledge into Action on the South Orange Black History Month Children's Book Recommendation list.

WEBSITES:

nutrition.gov (Kids Corner)

myplate.gov (Kids My Plate)

www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutrition.source/kids-healthy-eating-plate/

www.webmd.com

www.healthychildren.org

www.eatright.org

In this episode, Donna Hendricks speaks to Beatrice Simpkins, Keldrick Wright, and Gary Paul Wright to discuss their insights into the Black LGBTQ+ community and their hopes for its future. They discuss the struggles and needs of the Black LGBTQ+ community to make their calls for justice heard. They also share personal stories of strength and resilience and impart their wisdom for the next generation.

Beatrice Simpkins

Beatrice Simpkins is the volunteer Executive Director of the Newark LGBTQ Community Center and has worked in the field of nonprofit program development and management for over 20 years. The Center is focused on social justice advocacy, training police on anti-bias practices and engagement with LGBTQ people, and protecting the lives of BIPOC trans folx. Ms. Simpkins has emphasized the importance of changing the dynamics of oppressive social and economic systems that deny people their full freedom to be and live as they choose without fear, violence, or bias. She holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) and is pursuing her Doctorate in Transformative Social Change from Saybrook University. Her pronouns are she/her/hers and she is the proud parent of two daughters and Granny B to her grandchildren.

Gary Paul Wright

Gary Paul Wright is the Executive Director and co-founder of the African American Office of Gay Concerns, a center for HIV testing, prevention, and resources, located in Newark, NJ.  He has been a leader and is an icon in HIV/AIDS advocacy. Mr. Wright is a member of the New Jersey HIV Planning Group (NJHPG) where he served two terms as Chair, and the NJ Governor’s Advisory Council on HIV and Other Blood Borne Pathogens.  He also serves as a member of the Essex County Executive’s LGBTQ Advisory Board and is a Member of the Board of Trustees for Broadway House for Continuing Care.  Mr. Wright lives with his husband, Peter, in South Orange.

Keldrick Wright

Keldrick Wright is the Founder and Executive Director of Wright Independent Life Options (WILO NJ) which helps people with disabilities to learn independent living skills such as social skills, laundry skills, community awareness and safety, cooking skills, personal care, wellness, and other skills needed for one to enjoy life more independently. Mr. Wright has dedicated his life to one of service in helping children and young adults who have developmental and intellectual disabilities. He also served as the Vocational Director for ECLC of NJ’s PRIDE Programs. Mr. Wright has a BA in Human Services/Business Management. He resides in Maplewood with his husband, Eddie, and their five year-old son. 

In this episode, Brandon Hayes interviews Marc Merriweather, Moriyah Webster, Yehudah Webster, and Shoshana Brown to discuss their insights into and experiences with being both Black and Jewish. They specifically talk about their commitment to their faith and how it intersects with their race. Through often frank conversations about their shared identity, they also challenge assumptions that all Jewish people are white and all Black people are Christian or Muslim.  

Marc Merriweather  

Moriyah Webster

Yehudah Webster

Shoshana Brown