Several North Jersey towns are taking steps to address inequality by joining together for the second annual Community Read project. “Caste” by the Pulitzer Prize winning author Isabel Wilkerson was selected as the book to spark dialogue and help bridge many existing divides.

The Community Read 2022 project began in mid-February and concludes at the end of March. It is sponsored by the Fair Lawn Community Relations Advisory Committee, the Glen Rock Community Relations Advocacy Network, and the Ridgewood Ambassadors for Global Citizenship in collaboration with many other community groups.

There will be three opportunities to attend a seminar and discussion the book:

1. A virtual seminar with Rev. Dr. Arturo P. Lewis, associate pastor at Emmanuel Church in Ridgewood New Jersey, and Rabbi Ronald Roth, rabbi emeritus of The Fair Lawn Jewish Center/Congregation B’nai Israel, on March 15, 7-8:30 p.m.

2. There will be six small virtual discussion groups during the week of March 20.

3. The Maurice M. Pine Free Public Library of Fair Lawn is hosting a virtual panel discussion on “Caste” with African-American, Asian-American and Jewish speakers on March 31, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

For more information, visit the Facebook page for Social Justice Community Read, Watch & Listen Events 2022, bit.ly/ReadCaste22.

“Caste” is available in multiple formats (book, audiobook, CD) via the BCCLS (Bergen County Cooperative Library System) system and local libraries.