The organization, Citizens for a Diverse & Open Society (CDOS) embarked on a journey four years ago to create better race relations in the community and their action-oriented agenda is making a difference.
Citizens for a Diverse & Open Society
The group, which was founded by Sid Bernstein and Gilda Rogers, will celebrate its 4th Anniversary on November 15, 2018, at Pilgrim Baptist Church, at 7 pm located at 172 Shrewsbury Ave., Red Bank.
At the party, the organization will honor Pastor Terrence Porter of Pilgrim Baptist Church, along with the church’s Administrative Assistant, Birgit Mondesir, both of whom have been greatly supportive of the CDOS mission.
African American History in schools
The success of the organization’s outreach includes donating 30 sets of the book “March,” A Trilogy, written by Congressman, John Lewis, the Civil Rights icon, to the 8th-grade classes at the Red Bank Middle School and Red Bank Charter School, where the teaching and learning of African American History is incorporated into the curriculum.
Delegates from CDOS have also traveled to Trenton to meet with the Executive Director of the Amistad Commission, Dr. Stephanie James-Harris, who will attend the Anniversary Celebration.
The Amistad Commission, which is under the umbrella of the Department of Education, is entrusted with ensuring that African American History is infused within the curriculum in public schools, throughout New Jersey. CDOS unique alliance with the Amistad Commission is unlike any other community groups associated with the Commission, according to Dr. James-Harris.
Also, last year 11-year-old Kyne Rogers (no relation to Gilda Rogers) a student from the community, was presented with the “Danny Holgate Music Award,” sponsored by Citizens for a Diverse & Open Society to take private piano lessons meant to broaden his musical acumen. He will play three musical selections at this year’s event.
Recently, the group proposed to State Senator Vin Gopal that a “Unity and Diversity” Day be established in New Jersey, to celebrate the State’s diversity and for New Jerseyans to stand together in Unity. Our proposal has received a favorable response from the Senator and CDOS is eagerly planning more positive initiatives.
Photo by ATC Comm Photo: https://www.pexels.com/photo/human-hands-forming-heart-on-white-surface-305530/
