This entry has been published on June 15, 2020 and may be out of date.
The Summit Library has created a list of places to turn for information regarding race in America. The list includes but is not limited to the following:
- Local and regional organizations and groups involved in efforts to promote understanding and justice through education, conversation, and service.
- Educational Resources from the Summit Library including digital and print books, audio, and film items from the Summit Library collection.
- Current articles from the library and other regional sources related to race, racism, and anti-racism.
Summit organizations:
Anti-Racism Committee of the Summit Interfaith Council
- The committee was founded in 2015 and has been hosting community conversations about race through its Dialogue Circles on Race program, offered twice a year. For more information, please contact: Rabbi Hannah Orden rabbihannahorden@bethhatikvah.org or Vernon Williams VWPasst@fountainbaptist.org
- Shaping Summit Together exists to facilitate efforts for residents and local organizations to work together for the betterment of Summit as a mature and diverse community. It hosts the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service and the One Book One Community Program. For more information, please contact: Annette Dwyer: annettefdwyer@gmail.com
The Mayor’s Forum on Diversity
- The Mayor’s Forum on Diversity was created in 1993 to ensure that Summit remains committed to a vision of being a community where diversity is celebrated and respected. The forum hosts regular open community conversations on diversity, inclusion and belonging and hosts the annual Summit Ethnic Dinner. All are welcome to join. For more information or questions, please contact: Irlana Ho @ irlana.ho@gmail.com
Other Nearby, Local and Active Organizations:
Social Justice Matters (Scotch Plains):
- Social Justice Matters (SJM) is a grass roots organization formed in 2009. SJM serves as a resource for concerns, facilitates discussions about race in our society and promotes action to works towards a more equitable community.
New Jersey Institute for Social Justice (Newark):
- New Jersey Institute for Social Justice (NJISJ) was founded in 1999. NJISJ is an advocacy group working for social and racial justice through research, public education, grass roots organizing and litigation.
Educational Resources from the Summit Library:
Digital books, audio and film items from the Summit Library collection
Kanopy has put together a collection of documentaries about Social and Systemic Injustice. View these movies by using your library card to create a Kanopy account.
Educational Resources Beyond the Summit Library Collection:
- Becoming Anti-Racist Resources List from Rutgers: An up-to-date listing of articles, books, videos and podcasts.
- Black Lives Matters Wakelet: A list of current articles and other useful information, updated by librarians at the Summit Free Public Library.