Welcome to South Orange and Maplewood (SOMA)
Our two towns are rich in diversity. We’re committed as a community to learning from each other, to building relationships that span racial and ethnic barriers, and honor our differences as we work, live and play together.
#ChooseSOMA
South Orange and Maplewood (SOMA or MapSo to locals) are thriving, suburban towns in New Jersey that offer a true cross section of society where culture, diversity, and a small-town feel combine with big ideas to welcome all groups with open arms. The two towns form a quaint residential community boasting Victorian, Arts & Crafts, Tudor & Colonial Revival, and some modern homes, streets dotted with gaslights, beautiful parks, and bustling Village centers. The South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race is the host for this site, and our organization was created to acknowledge racial differences, examine barriers to racial equity and stable integration, and work to develop and sustain real, positive change for everyone in our communities. We invite you to “Choose SOMA.”
Get to know people of SOMA
The Lee Family
“The easy commute to New York and beautiful setting was the first reason (why we moved here). The second was the amazing people you meet, doing all sorts of interesting and meaningful work.”
The Essel Family
“When we were looking to buy a house, we looked all over Westchester and northern New Jersey. We wanted a diverse community with good schools. SOMA was the only town that had both.”
The Khandwala Family
“We were looking for a town close to Manhattan that would offer what we were looking for — a diverse, vibrant and worldly population, great schools, lovely old homes with character, and a walking friendly community. South Orange hit all of those markers for us and more!”
Featured Resources
New SOMA In-Mover Experience
When Noelle Perez moved from Harlem to Maplewood, she was looking for more than just a house. She wanted community, diversity, and strong schools. As one of the first recipients of the Wealth Gap Equalizer Loan, she’s part of a growing number of first-time Black and Brown homebuyers putting down roots in a town committed to intentional racial integration. Read her story.
In this community, buying a home is no longer a pipe dream | Opinion – NJ Mosaic – mosaic.nj.com
Benefits of Integration
Diversity is a community’s foundation but only the start. True integration grows when neighbors connect and build trust. It’s about more than numbers – it’s about real relationships. Read More
Talking to Kids About Race
Children ask tough questions about race. They may learn about racism and diversity at school, but real conversations at home matter most. How can we support families in having honest, meaningful talks with their children? Read More
Unconscious Bias
Unconscious bias happens when we make judgments about others without realizing it. These hidden biases affect how we interact and can lead to exclusion and discrimination. Recognizing and addressing them is key to building an inclusive community. Read More
Resources
Explore CCR’s comprehensive resource section, offering tools and insights to support our community’s journey toward integration and racial equity. Read More
