Race Amity Awards
Each year the Race Amity Initiative recognizes an organization and individual whose work and community service have contributed to building friendships and promoting justice and unity among different races and cultures in our community.
2024 Race Amity Awards
Emma Choy & Alana Arcilla
"Alana and Emma’s impact on the MKA community, related specifically to racial justice, equity, and inclusion within our school, is vast and wide...Alana and Emma began to research and explore not only the histories of AAPI people, the stories told, and those hidden, but they also started to explore the legalities stated in NJ and opportunities within the Montclair Kimberley Academy where the school could enhance educational and curricular opportunities. One of the culminating pieces highlighting Alana and Emma’s efforts is their public website, riceisme.com. I encourage you to explore this site as it will capture their effort, vision, and heart more than any letter or note can. ...authentic leadership is a behavior, not a title or position. Alana and Emma act, speak, listen, and engage like leaders, which is desperately needed today. While Alana and Emma stood up front and led the effort through her independent project, the ability to bring others into the fold is a hallmark of strong leadership. Their efforts center the AAPI experience while bringing to the table people of all races, backgrounds, and identities. The other highlight is how Alana and Emma drew attention and support and identified the need within our MKA community to formally observe the Lunar New Year as a holiday/day off. After two years of drawing feedback and making the case, with input from families and school administrators, MKA will officially observe the holiday in the 2024-2025 academic year. While Alana and Emma will never experience this time as MKA students, their legacy has prompted continued acknowledgment and inclusion in our MKA AAPI community." Nominated by Paris McLean Assistant Head of School for Diversity, Inclusion and Antiracism Montclair Kimberley Academy
Check out their website riceisme.com!
Janiyah Dunmore
In her nomination of Janiyah Dunmore, Dr. Elizabeth Voltman (Montclair High School) noted Janiyah's outstanding contribution to the 2023 celebration of Montclair Race Amity day, during which Janiyah shared “such a compelling piece of personal writing.” Further, Dr. Voltman noted that “of my 120+ students, Janiyah was the sole person to not only immediately express interest in speaking at the event, but who wanted to write something in her own voice. She shared stories from a place of vulnerability and strength, which deeply touched and enlightened all of us that day…Janiyah represents a young, inspiring voice of the present and of the future. Through her actions and leadership, Janiyah has shown a deep commitment to building bridges of understanding and respect among students of different backgrounds - a greatly needed skill for our time. Moreover, Janiyah's effort to try to create a Race Amity Club at her current high school raises awareness among peers and faculty for how to build a better, stronger future where empathy and inclusivity are at the forefront.
2023 Race Amity Awards
Mattie Martin
A few words from Mattie | "I came north to Connecticut at the age of 17. Moved to New Jersey after a few months. I worked in various jobs until I went to work for ACME. After the closing of ACME I said “Kings here I come”. After 23 years of devotion at Kings and 24 years with Montclair Parking enforcement, I decided to go back home. Do not believe the rumors that I am being chased out of town for summoning too many parking tickets and protesting Kings for having me as an employee! Seriously, I have enjoyed my time at both places of employment, I made a lot of friends and have an enormous amount of memories. My co-workers are a special group of people, Kings customers are the greatest. Please keep in touch. Alabama is just a few miles away!"
Read here in the Montclair Local about her farewell party!
Friends of Howe House
From the Friends of How House Website: "The Friends of the Howe House is a nonprofit organization committed to preserving the historic house of James Howe, a formerly enslaved man who was freed in 1817. As one of the oldest standing buildings owned by an African American, this house tells the story of freedom and slavery, the importance of homeownership, the development of African American communities in the United States, and the role of African Americans in the growth of towns like Montclair, NJ. This house stands as a monument to African American history, serving as a gathering place for education, community, and honest reflection on the past, present, and future of African American experiences in New Jersey and across the nation."
Check out the Friends of Howe House website here!