The Community Coalition on Race Luminary Project

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For the past six years on Martin Luther King Day, you may have noticed the beautiful luminaries many folks in SOMA have been lighting to share Dr. King’s message of hope and peace. The Luminary Project was started by South Orange resident Patricia Canning, a good friend of Allison Ziefert. The Community Coalition on Race organizes this effort, and this year their goal is to get at least 2,000 families in SOMA to participate.

The objective is to provide a focal point where all families and all ages can participate in a remembrance ceremony to mark Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. The light is symbolic of our hope to create a beloved community where justice, equal opportunity and ONE love prevail for all in our SOMA community.

The luminaries will be placed in front of homes and lit at sunset on MLK Day, January 21st. This is a great way to include children in the observation of the holiday, and teach them more about Dr. King’s message. The luminary bags can be decorated with words and symbols that represent Dr. King’s teachings.

Luminary kits are available for a suggested donation of $10 to benefit the Coalition and include four white bags, candles, and sand if needed. They can be purchased at Sparkhouse, Words Bookstore, Able Baker and Wine Barrel (on Springfield Ave), Cassidy Bar & Kitchen and Zen Pets or you can get them from Patricia Canning!

On Sunday, January 13 from 3:00-5:00pm, don’t miss the luminary decorating party at the Baird Community Center located at 5 Meade Street in South Orange.

Please join us in showing our towns’ commitment to Dr. King’s vision of a Beloved Community where racism and all forms of discrimination, bigotry and prejudice will be replaced by an all-inclusive spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood.

For more information on the Luminary Project, please see the CCR’s website at www.twotowns.org or call 973-761-6116.

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