We are grateful to everyone who joined our recent webinar with Dr. Shelley Zion as part of our ongoing "Data, Dialogue & Drinks...Oh My!" series. Your active participation made the evening incredibly impactful, contributing to the deep and meaningful conversations that are crucial for driving change in our community.

If you missed the session or would like to revisit the discussion, you can watch the event replay here. We encourage you to share it with others who may benefit from the valuable insights shared during the webinar.

We also want to highlight some of the key resources recommended by Dr. Zion and other participants:

• REDI Agreements from The Equity Lab: View Document

• Understanding Disproportionality (NYU Metro Center): Read More

• Research on Culture and Discipline:

  • Understanding Culture

  • InVisibility of Race in School Discipline

  • School Suspension Report

• Articles & Blogs:

  • Why Really Are So Many Black Kids Suspended?

  • Complex Racial and Ethnic Representation in Grade School Books

  • Diverse Curriculum Study

• Additional Tools and Guides:

  • Calling In and Calling Out Guide

  • Speak Up at School: Basic Strategies

  • Power in Our Voices

We hope these resources help further the dialogue and inspire actionable steps towards equity in our community. For more information, you can reach out to Dr. Shelley Zion directly at szion@a2zequitycoaching.com or visit their website at a2zequitycoaching.com.

On July 18, 2024, the Haddon Township Equity Initiative hosted a special edition of our "Data, Dialogue & Drinks...Oh My!" series at Omega’s Restaurant in Merchantville, NJ. This event focused on unpacking the findings of a recent Philadelphia Inquirer article by reporter Melanie Burney, which highlighted the disproportionate suspensions of Black & Brown youth in South Jersey schools.

Participants gathered at Omega’s, a beloved Black-owned business in South Jersey, to engage in a cross-community discussion about the who, what, where, when, why, and how of the data presented in the article. The setting provided a supportive atmosphere for attendees to ask questions directly to Melanie Burney, offer their insights, and make recommendations on actionable steps moving forward. Participants included the Haddon Township School District's Superintendent, Dr. Robert Fisicaro, which was noted in a recent Retrospect article summary of his statements following the event here.

This event was not only about understanding the data but also about supporting local Black-owned businesses and fostering a sense of community around these important issues.

We are thankful for the rich discussions that took place and the collective energy aimed at driving systemic change. If you missed the event, stay tuned for more opportunities to engage with these critical topics in future sessions of our "Data, Dialogue & Drinks...Oh My!" series.

For more information or to get involved, please contact us at htequity@gmail.com.

In a memorable journey down Haddon Avenue, the Haddon Township Equity Initiative (HTEI) and Ida's Bookshop led a vibrant celebration of Black heritage in the South Jersey region. The event unfolded as an enlightening exploration, showcasing the rich Black history, diverse culinary traditions, and the spirited culture of South Jersey. Participants had the unique opportunity to engage with historical narratives through expert-guided tours, delight in authentic flavors at various food stops, and immerse themselves in live performances and art exhibitions. A special highlight was the curated selection of books by Ida’s Bookshop that celebrated Black voices, alongside showcases of artistic expression by Black-owned businesses in the area.

The day was not just about celebration but also about community and support, with every tour stop emphasizing the importance of local Black-owned businesses. Products and pop-up events specifically curated for the tour provided a platform for creativity and expression, drawing attention to the talent and craftsmanship within the Black community. With tickets priced at $25 per person and tours designed for intimate groups of 30, participants enjoyed an engaging experience that lasted approximately 5 hours, starting from Ida’s Bookshop in Collingswood. This event not only enriched the participants' understanding of the local Black heritage but also strengthened the community's unity and appreciation for its diverse cultural fabric.

This past holiday season, the Haddon Township Equity Initiative (HTEI) and Haddon Township collaborated in a heartfelt effort to bring holiday cheer to local families facing challenges. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity and spirit of the community, we successfully collected enough donations to support 25 local families, ensuring their holiday was filled with joy and warmth.

Through our organized collection drive, community members were invited to select and donate items via a Sign Up Genius link, contributing a variety of gifts and necessities, as well as Amazon, Target, and Acme gift cards. All donations were gathered at designated drop-off locations across the township by the deadline of December 20, meticulously labeled to ensure they reached the intended recipients. Our call to spread the word was met with enthusiastic response, significantly amplifying our impact. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who participated—your generosity has not only provided essential support but also fostered a stronger, more connected community. As we reflect on this achievement, it's clear that together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of our neighbors, spreading love and cheer when it's needed most.

In 2023, as we reveled in the historic Juneteenth celebrations, we also took a moment to honor the deep significance Juneteenth holds in our shared history, and its influence on our path towards a more equitable future.

On Saturday, June 17th, 2023, the communities of Cherry Hill and Collingswood blossomed into a spectacular display of unity, cultural richness, and an enduring respect for heritage. The day kicked off with the Juneteenth Parade & Festival at Croft Farm, orchestrated by the Cherry Hill African American Civic Association (CHAACA). We were both humbled and proud to join as a Platinum Sponsor, standing shoulder-to-shoulder in solidarity with this event that celebrated community resilience.

Our HTEI tent played host to Jeannine A. Cook, the esteemed owner of Ida’s & Harriett’s Bookshops. Jeannine offered an exceptional contribution with a banned book pop-up, championing literacy, intellectual freedom, and offering rare finds for personal collectors or those donating to local school districts.

CHAACA's event was further enhanced by the wide array of Black-owned businesses and organizations. Vendors and tabling organizations dotted the landscape, weaving together an atmosphere pulsating with community engagement and vibrant conversations. As the day unfolded, a myriad of performances set the stage aglow, each resonating with the soulful spirit of Juneteenth, notably the effervescent performance by the Camden High School Marching Band.

The festivities continued into the evening in Downtown Collingswood, with the "Unity in the Community: A Juneteenth Celebration" serving as a heartening testament to the strength of community bonding and the importance of remembrance.

As we marked Juneteenth this year, we not only commemorated the end of slavery in the U.S., but also embraced our ongoing commitment to fostering equity and justice within Cherry Hill, Haddon Township, Collingswood, and beyond. These local celebrations are poignant reminders of our community's strength and resilience when united in purpose.

On Sunday, February 26th, 2023,  we hosted our second “In Our Backyard” community conversation, facilitated by Minista Jazz, entitled "The Color Purple: Truth in Reconciliation". The conversation was a powerful reminder that, just like the color purple, our lives are complex and full of contrasting experiences. Through the lens of the novel, we explored themes of oppression, resilience, love, and redemption. We learned the parallels of life and the relationship between the rose and it's thorns.  Just like the thorns protect the rose, when approaching "uncomfortable" conversations, we should remember to handle with care. By showing up with courage, curiosity, and compassion, we created a safe space to engage in difficult conversations and learn from one another.

Thank you to Minista Jazz for guiding us through this journey of self-discovery and growth, to our community partners The Ritz Theatre Co for allowing us the physical space to connect, Ida's Bookshop for the Alice's Bookshop pop-up collaboration, and to everyone who attended the events.

During Black History Month, on February 22nd, 2023, HTEI's "Night at the Ritz" was held. HTEI was able to support the all-Black cast of the Ritz's production of 'The Color Purple' for a SOLD OUT performance at the local Ritz Theatre Company.  Because of your generous donations, as a 100% volunteer-run local non-profit, we were able to cover the cost of attendance for nine local nonprofits, community organizations (especially their youth members), and over 75 students from schools in four local school districts, as well as support the fundraising efforts of the NAACP Camden County East Youth Council.

In January 2023, HTEI worked alongside Ida’s Bookshop and the Haddon Township School District in support of the Choose Love Movement curriculum to bring more inclusive book choices to the HTSD elementary classrooms.  HTEI and Ida's Bookshop were honored to be able to purchase and donate nearly 100 books, curated by local librarian and HTEI cofounder, Ruth Malwitz, in an effort to diversify our school libraries.

In November 2022, we hosted members from six Camden County high school GSA (Gender and Sexuality Alliance) and Social Justice clubs, for an evening of connection, community-building, and learning about service and advocacy!  Our heartfelt thanks to Cherry Hill East for hosting the event, to the educators, partnering organizations, and HTEI volunteers who continue to show up to love and support our local LGBTQ+ youth and allies.  A big thanks to our community partners GLSEN Southern New Jersey, PFLAG Collingswood, Jefferson Health, Appel Farm, Kaleidoscope, Stockton University Center for Community Engagement & Service-Learning and YES!

In November 2022,  HTEI hosted the first in a series of community conversations titled “In Our Backyard.” As an organization that started in a Haddon Township backyard, it’s only fitting that we continue this work in the same casual setting where ALL are welcome to show up and contribute.  The discussion was an opportunity for all to join us to share, listen, and learn a bit more about our community and the people in it.

In August 2022, HT showed up and delivered over 400 sandwiches to our friends at Cathedral Kitchen! Cathedral Kitchen is the largest emergency food provider in Camden, NJ, serving more than 100,000 meals a year and their mission is to help people out of food insecurity and champion their pursuit of stability and prosperity.