May 15th – 20th is the first-ever Week of Love+Unity. A series of in-person and virtual events happening throughout West Orange, NJ creating different ways to bring people together.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Monday, May 15th,
6:30pm-8:00pm
Love+Unity Kick-Off Celebration – Doors open at 6:00pm
Location: West Orange High School, Tarnoff Cafeteria. 51 Conforti Ave., West Orange, NJ 07052
Free to the public
Come out to enjoy a live DJ, music, surprise guest performances, light refreshments, and more. Click to reserve your spot.
The Full Week of May 15th-20th
St. Cloud Diversity Council Chalk It Up
Let’s all spread the Love+Unity across West Orange and decorate our driveways, sidewalks, and streets!
Use sidewalk chalk to draw messages that share what Love + Unity means to us.
Monday, May 15th,
12:00pm-2pm
Vocal Techniques & Songwriting Master Class with Carl Brister
Location: West Orange High School, 51 Conforti Ave., West Orange, NJ
(WOHS students only)
Tuesday, May 16th, 6:30pm-8:00pm
Notes of Love+Unity: A Celebration of Classical Music and Opera
Location: The Life Christian Church, 747 Northfield Ave., West Orange, NJ
Enjoy a night of classical music and opera featuring world-renowned Contralto Alison Bolshoi. The night also introduces West Orange High School’s own Jordan “J-Maestro” Brister, a classical pianist.
This event is free to the public. However, donations are kindly accepted to support Music Village’s Scholarship Fund for Youth.
Wednesday, May 17th, 8:30am-10:30am
Art with Kevin Brooks – A Love+Unity Masterclass
Location: West Orange High School, 51 Conforti Ave., West Orange, NJ
(WOHS AP & Honors Art Students only)
Wednesday, May 17th, 4:30pm-6:30pm
Share Your Story: Love+Unity
Location: St. Cloud Elementary School, 71 Sheridan Ave, West Orange, NJ
Free to the public
Join the St. Cloud Diversity Council to meet more than 10 diverse local authors and listen as they read their books. There will be a community art project and opportunities for everyone to share their own story through art, writing, or music!
Click to reserve your spot.
Wednesday, May 17th, 6:30pm-8:30pm
“The Art of Business”
A Mentorship Conversation for Diverse Entrepreneurs
Free to the public
How Delish HD
55 Kingsley St, West Orange, NJ
Want to start your own business? Join us for this lively discussion and meet successful entrepreneurs who will share how they did it, what’s behind the grind, discovering your “Why” and more. Free to the public.
Hosted by Chef Q of How Delish and Beverly Brister of Beverly’s Webshop.
Light refreshments served. Space is limited. Click for the lineup & save your spot.
Thursday, May 18th, 8:30am-10:30am
Recognizing Antisemitism on Social Media
Location: West Orange High School, 51 Conforti Ave., West Orange, NJ
Hosted by The Holocaust Resource Center of Kean University
(WOHS 9th & 10th-grade honors Social Studies Students only)
Thursday, May 18th, 6:30pm-8:00pm
Loving Your LGBTQ+ Child:
A Conversation for Parents, Teachers, & The Community
A free virtual event
Co-hosts Carl Brister & Akim Bryant
Featuring:
-Gia Garcia, W.O. Rainbow Coalition
-Damian Alan Lopez and Justine Evyn Saliski of Garden State Equality
-Karen Peyragrosse & Deb Coen of WOBOE
-Special Guest Recording Artist: Tanya Nolan
Click the platform of your choice to save your spot:
Thursday, May 18th
8:00pm
“Love & Unity Comedy Night”
Shillelagh Pub
648 Prospect Ave, West Orange, NJ
Featuring:
– Emma Kiernan
– Bryan Bonilla
– Robert Field
– Lou Deraville
– Mezzy D
Hosted by Adam D. Shandler. Tickets are $20/pp.
Friday, May 19th, 10:00am-1:00pm
Chalk The Walk
West Orange High School AP Art students will do a Love+Unity chalk design at Luna Stage and Town Hall.
(WOHS students only)
Friday, May 19th, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Love & Unity Through The Lens of the Uniquely Gifted Forum
West Orange Town Hall
66 Main Street, West Orange, NJ
Raising awareness on the Differently-Abled.
Friday, May 19th, 7:00pm-9:00pm
Expressions of Love+Unity Open Mic Showcase
Poetry, Singing, Rapping, Dancing, and more!
Location: Luna Stage
555 Valley Rd, West Orange, NJ
Tickets: $12/Adults. $8 for any West Orange Public School Student.
Saturday, May 20th – 8th Annual Love+Unity Fest
1:00pm-6:00pm
The Biggest Block Party of The Year!
Liberty Middle School
One Kelly Drive, West Orange, NJ
Free to the public
Bring your family and lawn chairs for a day of music from around the world! Art, activities, vendors, food trucks, and FUN as we celebrate our diversity through the arts. Free to the public.
Click for details and RSVP.