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RUN OF SHOW

• Welcome Breakfast in the Library

• Maevonia Caldwell Community Conversation: “It Takes a Village”

  • Toni D. Hendrix, Keynote

  • Panelists: Jasmine Carmichael, Amrisa Niranjan, Ashley Teague

• Creative Responses

  • Chantal Jean-Pierre, performs a monologue based on an oral history with Maevonia Caldwell

  • Gabriela Saker, performs a monologue based on an oral history with Erica Aguilar

  • A presentation on coLAB Arts’ Recent Public Art

• Village Photo

  
  LUNCH TO FOLLOW IN FELLOWSHIP HALL

  • Catering provided by Mozzarella Italian and Mexian Food

  • Community Response Booth in the Randolph Room

• A Light Breakfast

• Welcome

  • Erica Nagel, Board President- get to know her work

  • Dan Swern, Producing Director

• Maevonia Caldwell Community Conversation

  • Keynote: Anna Barcy, Fundraising and Coalition Development, New Labor

  • Panelists: 

    • Karen Alvarado, get to know Thinkery and Verse

    • Alicia Saadi, get to know her work

    • Chat Travieso, get to know his work

  • Moderated by Yeimy Gamez Castillo and Victoria Masteller

  • Creative Response: A selection of Central Jersey artist commissions, New Jersey Monuments to Migration and Labor

  • coLAB Arts’ Upcoming Work: Dan Swern, Producing Director

• Village Photo

• Lunch to Follow in Library

  • Catering provided by Mozzarella Italian and Mexican Food

  • Guided tours of Fellowship Hall Restoration

In memoriam
Maevonia Caldwell

Maevonia Caldwell was a revered educator, community leader, and advocate for historical preservation. Born on May 1, 1941, she grew up in Georgia, Pennsylvania, and New York, where she was deeply influenced by her father, a pastor. Maevonia earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Rochester and a teaching certificate from the state of New York. Her passion for education led her to a distinguished career as a teacher, where she was known for her ability to connect with students and make learning an enjoyable experience.

Maevonia’s career in education flourished in New Jersey, where she served as the NJ Director of Head Start for 12 years, followed by another 12 years as the Director of Mill Hill Daycare Center. Her leadership and dedication to early childhood education left a lasting impact on countless young lives, helping to lay the foundation for their future success.

In addition to her professional achievements, Maevonia was deeply committed to her family. She married Dr. Chandos F. Caldwell, Jr., and together they raised their son, Brent, creating cherished memories through family vacations and shared experiences. Her love for her family was evident in every aspect of her life, and she found immense joy in her grandchildren, Avery and Chelsea.

Maevonia was also a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, where she served on the Board of Trustees and was an active participant in the church community. Her faith provided her with strength and resilience, and she was a source of comfort and guidance to those around her.

One of Maevonia’s most significant contributions was founding the “Lost Soul’s Project” in East Brunswick Township, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to uncovering and preserving the history of free Blacks from Central Jersey who were sold into slavery in southern states. Through her meticulous research and tireless efforts, Maevonia ensured that these powerful stories would not be forgotten, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

Maevonia Caldwell’s life was a testament to the power of education, the importance of family, and the significance of preserving history. Her passing leaves a void in the lives of those who knew and loved her, but her memory will continue to inspire and guide all who were touched by her remarkable spirit.

*Thank you to Brent Caldwell, son of Maevonia, and Reverends Joan Marshall and Beverly Johnson of the Ministry of Wellness and Care at First Baptist for the words above.