Opinion

Op-Ed: S.T.A.R. Five-Year Anniversary

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As founder and CEO of Stand Together Against Racism (S.T.A.R.), I am deeply honored to celebrate our organization’s fifth anniversary—a milestone made possible by the unwavering support of the New Canaan community and our many partners. Five years ago, S.T.A.R. was born out of a collective call for justice following the murder of George Floyd. What began with a march through our town and a commitment to partnership with the New Canaan Police has grown into a movement that empowers residents with the tools, resources, and brave spaces needed to drive transformative change. Our mission remains clear: to ensure that everyone in New Canaan feels they belong. Over the years, S.T.A.R. has brought people together through impactful programming—from our Juneteenth celebrations drawing hundreds, to youth art showcases that elevate student voices on social justice, our annual fund-raiser, Soul•Fête which is a celebration of elevated black cuisine and culture, and many more.

Around Town

‘Soul•Fête: A Culinary Immersion’ Set for Feb. 26 at Carriage Barn [Q&A]

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The second edition of “Soul•Fête: A Culinary Immersion”—the only fundraiser for local nonprofit Stand Together Against Racism or ‘S.T.A.R.’— is coming to the Carriage Barn Arts Center 6 to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26 (tickets here). We put some questions to S.T.A.R. founder Fatou Niang ahead of the big night. Here’s our exchange. ***

What is “Soul•Fête: A Culinary Immersion” and how does this event tie into the mission and work of S.T.A.R.?

Around Town

S.T.A.R.’s ‘Juneteenth’ Celebration Set for Next Wednesday, June 19 [Q&A]

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New Canaan nonprofit organization Stand Together Against Racism, or S.T.A.R., will hold its annual Juneteenth celebration next week. Free and held on Wednesday, June 19 at the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society, Juneteenth marks the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. We put some questions to S.T.A.R. Founder and CEO Fatou Niang ahead of the festivities. Here’s our exchange. ***
New Canaanite: STAR.’s Juneteenth celebration at the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society started out as a large gathering and it grew again in its second year.

Around Town

S.T.A.R.’s Second Annual Social Justice Student Art Showcase Coming Oct. 28 [Q&A]

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New Canaan-founded nonprofit organization Stand Together Against Racism or “S.T.A.R.” is preparing to launch its second annual Social Justice Student Art Showcase, “Through Your Looking Glass.” 

Presented in partnership with The Glass House and Carriage Barn Arts Center, the showcase “seeks to recognize the role of art, design and/or architecture in advancing social justice through the lens of inclusion, equity and diversity,” according to the organization. Students in all grades from all towns in Fairfield County are invited to create and submit art that reflects the social justice topics that matter most to them today. 

All art will be featured at a free, public opening reception at the Carriage Barn from 12 to 2 p.m. Oct. 28 and will remain in view through Nov. 11. We reached out to S.T.A.R. Vice Chair Susan Borst ahead of the showcase.

Around Town

Soul-Fête: An Immersive Dinner Party 

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We thought we knew about every kind of dinner you can have: dinner from scratch, dinner with friends, early, late, expense account, room service, over the sink, a dinner presented with a flourish from under a sterling silver cloche, or one pried from the viselike jaws of a steaming takeout box. And yet, one vibrant, generous group is bringing the town together for an elevated, illuminating take on what dinner can be. With their customary knack for creating connection, Stand Together Against Racism (S.T.A.R) is reimagining dinner as an immersive cultural celebration. Soul-Fête, which will explore the culinary journey from Africa to America, will welcome you to the Carriage Barn from 7 to 9 p.m. on March 2, wrapping up Black History Month in an unforgettable way. Music will be provided by local band The Misfits, and chef Damon Sawyer of Bridgeport’s 29 Markle Ct.