Bibbins and Richardson to Be Honored by the Coalition on Race

The Community Coalition on Race is hosting its annual benefit dinner—Celebrating Integration: Embracing Inclusion, Fairness, & Opportunity—on October 13th at the SOPAC Loft.  Assemblywoman Mila Jasey will be the special guest speaker.  This year’s honorees—Charlie Bibbins and Rev. Terry L. Richardson—support our towns through their volunteerism and leadership in many ways.  Mr. Bibbins has lived and volunteered in Maplewood for over 50 years.  Pastor Richardson has led the First Baptist Church of South Orange for over 12 years.     

Charlie Bibbins’ participation and leadership in civic activities began soon after he moved to Maplewood with his wife Emily in 1958.  He founded a very productive Jaycee chapter which led to his being invited to join the Maplewood Civic Association. Charlie was active for over 30 years on the Civic Association: he served president and started the Welcome to Maplewood program.   He was also a long time member and one time chair of the Maplewood Citizens Budget Advisory. Committee; served on and chaired the Maplewood Juvenile Conference Committee; was a charter member and for many years chair of the Maplewood Transportation Advisory Committee.

These days, Charlie continues his long-time service as a trustee of the Adult School.  Charlie was a charter Trustee and is still an active member of the Community Coalition on Race.  Having recently moved to Winchester Gardens, Charlie has already joined a couple of committees there to join as well. 

Terry L. Richardson joined First Baptist Church, South Orange, New Jersey as Pastor/Teacher in 1997.  Since then the membership has increased from 75 to over 400.  Under his leadership, the church has created an education tutorial program and raised substantial funds for schools in Africa, for tsunami victims, and for those in need in Haiti.  First Baptist also supports local shelters and initiatives for youth.

Pastor Richardson is a former member of the Ecumenical Council, as well as a member of the South Orange/Maplewood Clergy Association, and the Community Leadership Advisory Committee to the Superintendent of Schools.  He has served as a member of The Peoples Investment Fund for America, is a former Trustee of the South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race, and former Chaplin of the United Chaplin International Worldwide Outreach, Inc.   Pastor Richardson is married to NaDeen Richardson and together they are the proud parents of Deven, Kayla and Jeremiah Richardson.

Please join the Community Coalition on Race in honoring these two outstanding members of the Maplewood/South Orange community at the dinner, dance, and auction.  To reserve seats, visit www.twotowns.org or call 973-761-6116.