New Opportunity for Students to Experience Civil Rights Journey
New York, NY, Tuesday, May 7, 2019 – John Jay College honors students are being supported by more than 300 benefactors who believe in them as the next generation of leaders and fierce advocates for justice. The 2019 Educating for Justice Gala on Tuesday, May 7 at 6:00pm at The Plaza on Fifth Avenue and Central Park South will honor Tony West for his commitment to social justice. Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary at Uber, Tony West has spent more than 20 years in both the private and public sectors fighting for the rights of others; from defending marriage equity to ending overly harsh immigration laws.
More than $1,000,000 has already been raised for the event, a record-breaking achievement at John Jay, with all proceeds dedicated to supporting the College’s Honors Program.
John Jay honors students are primarily graduates of the New York City public school system and rank in the top 10 percent of their college class. The Honors Program emphasizes critical thinking and ethical decision-making, particularly pertaining to global concerns, community, responsibility and civic engagement.
“The students who come to John Jay are not just thinking about themselves,” said John Jay President Karol V. Mason. “They’re focused on how to make the world a better place. How to use their newfound knowledge to uplift their family and transform their community. Our commitment is to help them make their dreams a reality and the support we receive at the Educating for Justice Gala allows us to reach and dream right alongside our students.”
EDUCATING FOR JUSTICE
One key program supported through the Gala is the upcoming, once-in-a-lifetime experience for the students, Receiving the Torch: Voting Rights and the Ongoing Fight for Justice, Equality, and Freedom.
This educational experience begins in New York City with visits to historic sites like Plymouth Church in Brooklyn, where hundreds of escaping slaves hid, as well as to the NAACP to learn about the modern fight to protect voting rights.
Students will then travel to Alabama to visit multiple sites including the Freedom Rides Museum, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice dedicated to people terrorized by lynching, and the Edmond Pettus Bridge, where they will silently remember the Bloody Sunday which galvanized the civil rights movement. All the while, students will engage in community service and service learning activities including voter registration drives.
HONORING FIERCE ADVOCATES
The Educating for Justice Gala is John Jay College’s marquee event, paying special tribute to those who exemplify perseverance and integrity while advancing the fight for justice in all of its dimensions.
The evening will be hosted by WNBC Anchor and Reporter Pat Battle, who has been recognized numerous times for her community outreach and support.
John Jay and President Karol V. Mason also welcome special guests:
- Angela Willoughby (Line Producer, The View)
- Niccole Kroll (Founder, Après)
- Jules Kroll (Founder, Kroll Bond Rating Agency & K2 Intelligence)
- Jim McCann (Founder, 1-800 Flowers)
- Arthur Mirante (Board of Directors, Avison Young)
- Peter Beshar (Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Marsh & McLennan Companies)
- Yrthya Dinzey-Flores (Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility, Philanthropy & Diversity, Warner Media Group)
- Paula Howell Anderson (Partner, Shearman & Sterling)
John Jay’s veteran students will be among the student guests attending the Gala.
JOHN JAY STUDENTS
John Jay students overcome many challenges and obstacles on their path to a college degree. Two thirds of our students provide care for others and more than half come from families with an income of less than $30,600. The majority of students are the first in their families to attend college. Fueled by a John Jay education taught by world class faculty, our students rise and experience great post-graduate success. John Jay College is ranked among the best colleges in the nation for student social mobility.
About John Jay College of Criminal Justice:
An international leader in educating for justice, John Jay College of Criminal Justice of the City University of New York is a Hispanic Serving Institution and Minority Serving Institution offering a rich liberal arts and professional studies curriculum to 15,000 undergraduate and graduate students from more than 135 nations. John Jay is home to faculty and research centers at the forefront of advancing criminal and social justice reform. In teaching, scholarship and research, the College engages the theme of justice and explores fundamental human desires for fairness, equality and the rule of law. For more information, visit www.jjay.cuny.edu and follow us on Twitter @JohnJayCollege.
