Reverend Al Sharpton to Deliver Keynote Address at Hudson County Community College 2023 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summer Retreat
July 18, 2023
Dr. Jelani Cobb to Discuss “The Future of Equity in Higher Education.”
July 18, 2023, Jersey City, NJ – Reverend Al Sharpton, one of America’s preeminent civil rights leaders, will deliver the keynote address at Hudson County Community College’s (HCCC) 2023 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summer Retreat. The event will take place on Wednesday, July 26 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Reverend 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 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/668767099397.
Reverend 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 speaks out on behalf of those who have been silenced and marginalized. Reverend Sharpton has long advocated police reform and accountability, voting rights, and educational equality.
Reverend Al Sharpton will be the keynote speaker at Hudson County Community College’s 2023 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summer Retreat on Wednesday, July 26; and Dr. Jelani Cobb will discuss “The Future of Equity in Higher Education.”
HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber said, “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. 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 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.
Dr. 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. HCCC leaders discussed accomplishments and best practice outcomes so that everyone may have the opportunity to learn, work and grow. “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,” he stated. Going forward, the DEI Summer Retreat will be held annually at the College.