Art & Culture

As communities across New Jersey begin to welcome the arrival of spring, seasonal traditions are returning to parks, churches, and neighborhood gathering spaces throughout...

New Jersey is home to countless inspiring individuals, and among them is author and philanthropist Alesia Shute, who recently released her second book, "Everything's Still Okay." This powerful new work serves as a follow-up to her widely acclaimed first memoir, delving deeper into themes of self-belief, personal freedom, and the profound strength that comes from embracing personal choice. Shute's journey is one of remarkable resilience, a testament to the human spirit's ability to navigate adversity and emerge with a message of hope and empowerment, particularly for women. Alesia's story began in Philadelphia, where she was born into a hardworking family before growing up in the Northeast. Her early life took an unexpected turn at the tender...

A new voice from New Jersey’s growing literary community is bringing an important and deeply personal story to readers with the release of Two Worlds. One Family: A Child’s Perspective on Being Biracial, the debut children’s book by author Felicia L. Kenny. The heartfelt narrative invites young readers and families to explore themes of identity, belonging, and cultural understanding through the eyes of a child growing up in a multicultural household. Rooted in real experiences and inspired by Kenny’s own family life in New Jersey, the book offers an authentic look at what it means for children to grow up navigating multiple cultural identities while discovering the strength that comes from family, love, and community. As new...