South Orange Village: Our Voices

About South Orange Village: Our Voices

We’re excited to introduce a new quarterly edition of South Orange Village: Our Voices, a podcast designed to keep residents informed and engaged. Join Mayor Sheena Collum and Councilman Bobby Brown in this quarterly podcast as they dive into key topics such as town development, the municipal budget, public safety, and community initiatives. Stay informed with behind-the-scenes insights into South Orange’s local government. Have a topic for a future episode? Email Councilwoman Summer Jones at sjones@southorange.org. Stay connected, stay engaged—tune in now to be part of the conversation!

Publisher

South Orange Village

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

28 Jan 2021

Latest episode

3 Apr 2025

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   3 Apr 2025

   Welcome to South Orange: Mayor Sheena Collum's Journey into a New Era of Community Connection

   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!

2. 

   29 Feb 2024

   Our Voices: Dwight Carter, Photographer

   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/ (https://www.dwightcarter.com/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwightcarterphotography/ (https://www.instagram.com/dwightcarterphotography/)

3. 

   29 Feb 2024

   Our Voices: Monica Eryn Johnson, Pianist

   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 (https://open.spotify.com/album/6vxyPn6nvj2jpuihSyEoYW?si=enTo9RnLQ3ascDD1UkF6rQ)" 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 celebrates Black History Month with the entire community. This year, the national theme is )

4. 

   28 Feb 2024

   Our Voices: James Davis III, Musician and Composer

   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.

5. 

   28 Feb 2024

   Preview of This Month's Guests

   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.

6. 

   28 Feb 2024

   Our Voices: Anthony Ellis, Author

   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 (https://www.amazon.com/Climbing-Summit-Anthony-Ellis/dp/B0B18Z9NGC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8MV7VRADCB92&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._LDSS1KznoHawO9K9Wkx4nSJywF6qxY2MGZY0V0h8MlPnGUm9c6FZyKfSmwwvpwhLJKYb1kSTSAXobDm8wU-oK_XwMfvBh1jywyEu68sITcYZ4BoYFJ8rUdhPWB8QMQRyEnyQu6cQNrEd1EkNP30ZWGYVLPzAJ82vwWlbRRYHonRCjVvFqW31RAyjCLXsMK8-Q3NDR3JQ0vjSGHm7DZ3okpdAaze3IyrXsgFd3KNRZs.lri45Bw7Mj1FYJyKnlm490Az44ghW6v6yOBJ4s-lSxM&dib_tag=se&keywords=climbing+the+summit&qid=1709107873&sprefix=climbing+the+summit%2Caps%2C258&sr=8-1), Barnes & Noble, and other bookstores. Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/anthonyellisauthor)

7. 

   26 Feb 2022

   Our Voices: An Intimate Conversation with Ahmad Russell, Founder of The Cipher Life

   South Orange Village (https://www.southorange.org/881/Black-History-Month-2022) is honored to celebrate Black History Month within the South Orange Community. This year's national theme is Black Health & Wellness (https://asalh.org/black-history-themes/). 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 (https://www.instagram.com/the_cipher_life) Learn More or Support The Cipher Foundation: https://theciphermen.com (https://theciphermen.com)

8. 

   26 Feb 2022

   Our Voices: Positively Influencing Children's Eating Habits

   South Orange Village is honored to celebrate Black History Month with the South Orange Community. This year's national theme is Black Health & Wellness (https://asalh.org/black-history-themes/). 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 (https://www.southorange.org/905/Turning-Knowledge-Into-Action) on the South Orange Black History Month Children's Book Recommendation list. WEBSITES: nutrition.gov (http://nutrition.gov/) (Kids Corner) myplate.gov (http://myplate.gov/) (Kids My Plate) www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutrition.source/kids-healthy-eating-plate/ (http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutrition.source/kids-healthy-eating-plate/) www.webmd.com (http://www.webmd.com/) www.healthychildren.org (//www.healthychildren.org) www.eatright.org (http://www.eatright.org/)

9. 

   22 Feb 2021

   Our Black LGBTQ+ Families

   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.

10. 

    15 Feb 2021

    Our Voices: Being Black & Jewish

    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 Marc Merriweather is a South Orange resident. Marc is an attorney. He and his wife have two boys (ages 15 and 12) and a dog. They nurture a multi-cultural home. Marc strongly identifies as a biracial Jew. His mother is white and his father is black. His parents are both Jewish and raised Marc and his sisters in a Jewish home.' Moriyah Webster Moriyah Webster has been a passionate student and teacher of Torah for more than 30 years. His name Moriyah means, “My teacher is Yah” and reflects his desire to point everyone to Yah as the true teacher. Prior to embracing his Jewish identity, he earned a BA in Theology at Ambassador University and served as a Pastor for 10 years in the USA, Guyana, Suriname, and the Caribbean. After converting to Judaism, Moriyah was a member of Congregation Oheb Shalom for about 15 years where he served in a number of roles including serving as a vice president, a regular Torah reader, leader of high holiday services, and teacher at the Hebrew School. Moriyah works full-time in technology in the financial industry. Yehudah Webster Yehudah is passionate about ensuring the Jewish community’s commitment to the fight for racial justice and collective liberation. As a community organizer for Jews for Racial & Economic Justice (JFREJ), Yehudah supports JFREJ’s police accountability and transformative justice campaigns through grassroots efforts that include lobbying for legislative reform. Yehudah has worked on establishing a national support network for JOCs through his JFREJ leadership, working to provide the much needed institutional support marginalized Jewish communities of color need and most recently co-founding Ammud: The Jews of Color Torah Academy. He is a graduate of JFREJ’s Grace Paley Organizing Fellowship and Bend the Arc’s Selah Leadership Program. Shoshana Brown Shoshana Brown is a Black mixed-race, Jewish, femme. They are an organizer, healer, educator, and social worker. Organizing within the Jews of Color community since 2005, they are the co-founder of the Black Jewish Liberation Collective.

11. 

    11 Feb 2021

    Bonus Episode | Inclusion, Individuality, and Independence: People with Disabilities in the Black Family: Tia

    In this podcast episode of Inclusion, Individuality, and Independence: People with Disabilities in the Black Family, we speak to Dr. Ahadi Bugg-Levine and her mother Mrs. Jacqueline Murphy. Ahadi Bugg-Levine is currently Board President for JESPY House (https://www.jespyhouse.org/history/) and part of our Black History Month Planning Committee. We were excited to ask Ahadi and her mother to share the memories of Tiamoya "Tia" Bugg their sister and daughter, respectively. Tia loved living in South Orange. She enjoyed walking around downtown and was a regular at her favorites spots such as Dunkin Donuts, the Village Diner, Rite Aid (now Walgreens), and Eden Gourmet (now Ashley Market). She loved books, music, and dancing, and talking about politics. Before moving to South Orange, she grew up in Maplewood. Her family has lived in SOMa for almost 45 years. She had epilepsy and learning and developmental disabilities. Tia had a nocturnal seizure and passed away in 2010.

12. 

    8 Feb 2021

    Inclusion, Individuality, and Independence: People with Disabilities in the Black Family | Part 1 of 2

    In this two-part episode, Brandon Hayes, interviews Aliyah, Arthur, and Myles as they provide a first-hand account on navigating through school, sports, and COVID while not allowing their disability to stop them from getting ahead. Ms. Dawn (Aliyah's Mom) and Ms. Nedra (Myles Mom) discuss what methods they use to ensure that their child is included and has a sense of normalcy in places where they might not feel included. In part 2 of this episode, Dr. Ahadi Bugg Levine, Board President of Jespy House provides a glimpse into her life with her sister Tia while her mom provides parents with ways to cope when their child does not get the support and assistance that one would expect in a school. Over and over the theme of this podcast is inclusion and having a sense of belonging and understanding about every child in a school system. Aliyah & Dawn Aliyah has been a client at JESPY House* in South Orange for over two years. Aliyah enjoys participating in a variety of JESPY activities and embraces her independence. She loves music and dancing. She likes going to the mall with her boyfriend. She enjoys socializing with her friends. Dawn is Aliyah's mother. Arthur Arthur has been a client at JESPY House* in South Orange for three-and-a-half years. Arthur is a lot of fun. He loves to tell jokes and make others laugh. He excels at supporting the growth of his peers. He enjoys sports - especially basketball. He likes exploring South Orange, taking walks with his girlfriend, going out to eat, and hanging out with his friends. He also enjoys going to the local malls. Myles & Nedra Myles is currently a senior at Columbia High School in Maplewood. He enjoys going to CHS football games where he roots for the Cougars! He will be part of the graduating class of 2021. He loves the NY Giants. He has cerebral palsy. Myles and his family have been residents of Maplewood for almost 14 years. Nedra is Myles's mother. Ahadi Bugg-Levine & Jacqueline Murphy Ahadi Bugg-Levine and Jacqueline Murphy were excited to join this podcast to remember Tiamoya "Tia" Bugg their sister and daughter, respectively. Tia loved living in South Orange. She enjoyed walking around downtown and was a regular at her favorites spots such as Dunkin Donuts, the Village Diner, Rite Aid (now Walgreens), and Eden Gourmet (now Ashley Market). She loved books, music, and dancing, and talking about politics. Before moving to South Orange, she grew up in Maplewood. Her family has lived in SOMa for almost 45 years. She had epilepsy and learning and developmental disabilities. Tia had a nocturnal seizure and passed away in 2010. *JESPY House is a nonprofit organization that helps adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to live independently in South Orange.

13. 

    31 Jan 2021

    Our Brother Moose

    Assemblywoman Mila M. Jasey is the Deputy Speaker of the General Assembly for the State of New Jersey. Mila represents the 27th Legislative District, which includes South Orange and Maplewood. She is a strong champion of education, housing and community development, health, and disability rights issues. Ms. Terry Brewin is an artist and teacher of art at Science Park High School, a magnet public high school, located in Newark, New Jersey. Mr. Chris Oden is an independent producer in Brooklyn, New York. In this podcast, Mila, Terry, and Chris come together to celebrate the life of their brother Chester W. Oden, III (or, as he preferred to be called, “Moose”). Moose grew up in a loving family with his parents and ten brothers and sisters. Although he lived in South Orange for only three years, he became a fixture in the community. He loved watching soccer, baseball, and basketball games in the parks. He loved to swim at the South Orange pool and feed the ducks at Cameron Field. He worked at the Occupational Center in Orange. He lived a full and productive life. Moose passed away at the age of 31 in 1989. Assemblywoman Mila Jasey shared photos (https://youtu.be/6ZuBIiXm8Ho) of Moose and her family through the years.

14. 

    28 Jan 2021

    Trailer for Our Voices | Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity | Black History Month in South Orange | Stories of the Black Family |

    The trailer for our weekly podcast will feature conversations with members of our local and nearby communities. For 2021, Our Voices focuses on this year's theme for Black History Month - The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity. This podcast will highlight black families who practice Judaism, black LGBTQ+ families, and black people with disabilities and their families.

Podcast Authority Score: 17 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

22

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

27

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.