Rev. Al Sharpton will deliver a keynote address at Hudson County Community College next week as a part of their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summer Retreat.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“It is with great pride that we welcome Reverend Sharpton to HCCC. He has devoted his entire life to championing diversity, equity, and inclusion, promoting nonviolent activism, and providing a voice for those who are powerless,” HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber said in a statement.
“We know he will engage our attendees by providing historic context, thoughtful insight, and extraordinary inspiration on the issues we will explore during our retreat.”
The event will take place on Wednesday, July 26 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sharpton will speak at 10 a.m.
Students, educators, and the general public are invited to attend either in-person at the College’s Culinary Conference Center at 161 Newkirk Street in Jersey City, NJ, or virtually by registering here.
Sharpton is the founder and president of the National Action Network (NAN), a nonprofit organization that boasts more than 100 chapters across the United States and promotes a modern civil rights agenda that includes the fight for one standard of justice, decency, and equal opportunity for all.
In addition, he anchors Politics Nation on MSNBC, hosts the nationally syndicated radio shows Keepin’ It Real and The Hour of Power, holds weekly action rallies, and has long advocated police reform and accountability, voting rights, and educational equality.
The 2023 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summer Retreat is presented by the HCCC President’s Advisory Council on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (PACDEI).
Dr. Jelani Cobb, Dean and Henry Luce Professor of Journalism – Columbia Journalism School, and an award-winning writer and social justice advocate, will deliver a powerful session entitled, “The Future of Equity in Higher Education” at 2 p.m.
The remainder of the daylong convening will include engaging sessions centered around social justice, accessibility, gender identity, equity, team building, and taking stock of the College’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion journey.
Reber shared that this is the second year the College is holding the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summer Retreat. HCCC’s 2022 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summer Retreat was the first of its kind to be offered in New Jersey.
Going forward, the DEI Summer Retreat will be held annually at the college.
“In building a culture of care, Hudson County Community College advocates an educational environment where every voice matters, all contributions are acknowledged and celebrated, and diversity is the foundation for achievement and well-being,” Reber added.
Is Sharpton getting paid to speak ?