Unveiling Our Journey: Celebrating The Gathering for Justice's 18th Anniversary
We are thrilled to celebrate our 18th anniversary, marking nearly two decades of dedicated efforts in the fight against racial injustice. The Gathering for Justice was founded in 2005 by my mentor and the legendary singer and activist Harry Belafonte following reports of a 5-year-old Black girl, Jaiesha Scott, being handcuffed and arrested for "being unruly" in a Florida school. His moral outrage became the birth of The Gathering for Justice.
Over the past 18 years, The Gathering has played a pivotal role in cultivating movement leaders grounded in the ideology of nonviolent resistance and collective power pioneered by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This ethos has served as a catalyst for numerous groups at the forefront of the fight against oppression and injustice.
As we celebrate this milestone, we are preparing to release a comprehensive impact report that highlights our organization's pivotal work spanning areas such as criminal and juvenile justice reform, police accountability, civil and human rights, and beyond. This report not only underscores our achievements but also emphasizes the critical resources and expertise we bring to propel the movement forward.
In addition, The Gathering for Justice is in the advanced stages of finalizing our strategic plan for the next five years. Set to be unveiled by January 2024, this plan will present a clear and concise roadmap, detailing the organization's anticipated challenges and opportunities in the pursuit of its enduring mission. The development of this plan has involved extensive collaboration with external stakeholders, recognizing our strengths and addressing challenges within the movement. This strategic plan encapsulates insights gathered over the past year, offering a refined understanding of our mission, vision, and values, and setting the stage for an engaged and inclusive future.
Alongside the unveiling of our five-year strategic plan, we are delighted to announce the impending release of our policy mission and platform. With nearly two decades of dedication to movement-building, it is a significant milestone for us to formalize a policy platform that embodies our organizational values and pays tribute to our founder, Mr. Harry Belafonte. This platform not only enshrines Mr. Belafonte's foundational mission of ending child incarceration but also underscores our commitment to actualizing Dr. King's vision of the beloved community. Our policy mission will strategically anchor advocacy efforts towards reenvisioning public safety and delineating the requisite steps to realize this ambition. An official launch is anticipated this autumn.
In honor of our 18th anniversary, a series of events have been planned to acknowledge The Gathering's impactful journey. These include a virtual tribute to our esteemed elders and executive committee members who have gracefully transitioned to the spiritual realm. In conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop, The Gathering, in partnership with Beats, Rhymes, and Relief, is excited to present Revolutionary Reels, spotlighting 'Beat Street', a film produced by Mr. Belafonte. We anticipate a panel featuring members of The Gathering for Justice, Justice League NYC, Hip Hop pioneers, and valued community members.
Recently, our Board noted that "Mr. Belafonte's unmatched commitment to ending child incarceration stands as a beacon of moral clarity. This noble mission remains deeply embedded in the very soul of The Gathering for Justice. As we mark the 18th anniversary of this remarkable organization, we, as a body of the Board of Directors, are profoundly humbled and honored to carry forward his enduring legacy. Let us not only commemorate our past achievements but ignite our collective passion as we stride with hope and determination into the future. There's much to be done, and together, we rise to meet the challenges ahead."
18 Years of The Gathering for Justice: A Timeline of Dedication, Action, and Change
I am extremely proud that for the past 18 years, The Gathering for Justice has been my home and a beacon of change, advocating tirelessly and securing over $15 million since 2005 in investments for our beloved community. Through these endeavors, our organization has forged a remarkable path of impact and transformation. The following timeline highlights the essence of our journey.
Foundation and Inception:
2005: The Gathering for Justice takes its first breath, founded by Harry Belafonte in response to the unjust arrest of a 5-year-old Black girl. The mission is clear: dismantle child incarceration and expose racial inequities.
August 2005: The inaugural Gathering convenes in Atlanta, GA amidst Hurricane Katrina's devastation. A resounding call to action brings together elders from the Civil Rights, Chicano Movement, Black Liberation Movement, Elected Officials, Artists and more.
September 2005: Epps, Alabama hosts the first Gathering of Youth and Elders. Future leaders like Carmen Perez, CJ, Malia, Jasiri X, Jonathan Lewis, and DeJuana Thompson and others from across the nation unite to challenge the immoral imperative of child incarceration.
Nationwide Coalitions, Cultivating Thought, and Awareness:
2006-2009: The Gathering expands from California to Little Rock to Erie, PA to Chicago and Columbus, Ohio fostering coalitions to address child incarceration and bolster organizational ties.
2007: Oakland, CA hosts The Gathering’s National Convention, bolstered by Mayor Ron Delums’ legacy of civil rights advocacy.
2008: Memphis becomes a platform to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy. The event honors his memory and instills nonviolence principles in southern delegates.
2009: The Gathering for Justice continued organizing in Arkansas, Illinois, Ohio, Chicago and Pennsylvania.
2009: With the support of school president John Horan and Professor Childress, The Gathering for Justice facilitated a two-day workshop for the faculty as part of their professional development and organized a five-day training for a group of student leaders chosen by the teachers at the school. These were the first North Lawndale Peace Warriors, students who would lead their peers in creating a culture of peace in their school going 150 days without violence.
Advocacy and Recognition:
May 2010: Carmen Perez takes the helm as Executive Director, leading initiatives within New York City's juvenile detention centers and spearheading partnerships with 1199SEIU.
2011: The Gathering for Justice in partnership with 1199SEIU launched a young worker’s program called “Purple Gold” serving members under the age of 35 to continue building upon the legacy of the labor movement serving 75 thousands members in 5 regions.
2012: El Salvador becomes a global link as Carmen Perez joins an international delegation, underscoring our movement's worldwide reach and solidarity.
2013: Horizon Juvenile Detention Center witnesses the transformative power of art and music. The Justice League NYC emerges, paving the way for swift, holistic responses.
2014: The Gathering becomes its own 501c3 and Carmen becomes President and CEO.
January 2014: Our task force, Justice League NYC officially forms, serving as a beacon for immediate responses to racial and social injustices.
September 2014: The Gathering produced Growing Up Locked Down, a national youth conference at The New School with over 800 participants and an immersive, engaging program that included panels, live art presentations, nonviolence trainings, concerts, a film premiere, and more.
Marches and Demonstrations, Voices of Solidarity, and Empowerment:
2015: Dream4Justice starts the year, followed by the March2Justice from NYC to DC, and the monumental Justice Or Else in October.
2016: Justice League NYC receives the NAACP Chairman's Award. The 'Justice For Flint' concert showcases our support for crucial causes. The 'Revolutionary Reelz' series begins, and The Gathering is pivotal in the Women’s March on Washington.
December 2016; Carmen Perez became co-chair and Harry Belafonte was the honorary co-chair of the 2017 Women’s March on Washington. The Gathering for Justice housed the organizing effort and provided the foundation of Kingian Nonviolence.
2017: The Gathering for Justice organizes one of the largest demonstrations in the history of America, The 2017 Women’s March on Washington, which resonates as a powerful testament to the organization's commitment to nonviolence, unity, and transformative change.
2017: The "Raise the Age" policy change in New York signifies a triumph in our advocacy efforts.
2017: The Gathering for Justice partnered with the Women’s March on The NRA to DOJ March protests against racial biases and calls for a DOJ investigation into the death of Philando Castile.
2017: The #TakeAKnee campaign was launched in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick.
2018: Radical Readz launches.The Gathering plays a pivotal role in Meek Mill's case, ensuring all charges against him are dropped.
2019: The Gathering for Justice and Justice League NYC members occupy MDC Brooklyn and meet with BOP in Philadelphia.
Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Legacies:
2020: The global pandemic heightens our mission. The response to George Floyd's tragedy brings thousands to NYC's streets. Our advocacy led to the Clean Slate Act's passage.
June 2020: The Gathering for Justice co-led “March for Stolen Lives: The Take Back”, a march from Harlem to Washington Square Park with over 40,000 attendees with 5 legislative demands.
2021: The Gathering For Harry: A Surprise 94th Birthday Celebration.
2021: Our Voice, Our Power: Disarming The State Pt. II.
2021: The Monterrosa family and The Gathering lead a direct action at Governor Gavin Newsom’s mansion, demanding justice and accountability for Sean Monterrosa's killing.
2021: Troublemakers For Liberation.
2022: The Gathering for Justice secured $71,000 for our Community Relief Fund, and distributed funds to support BIPOC girls and gender expansive youth activist on the frontlines, supported systems impacted youth and People/Families impacted by incarceration and/or Police Violence in NY and CA, and supported six organizations providing re-entry and other direct services to formerly incarcerated young people throughout CA.
2022: The Gathering partnered with multiple women’s and anti-violence organizations in Los Angeles to support Megan Thee Stallion in solidarity at the courthouse as she recalled the tragic events on July 12, 2020.
2022: In recognition of Gun Violence Awareness Month, a broad coalition of gun violence and violence prevention partners convened for a morning march to City Hall steps. At City Hall, Councilwoman Nantasha Williams hosted a press conference during which Mayor Adams announced A.T. Mitchell, founder of ManUp, Inc., as NYC’s new Gun Violence Czar. This awareness month concluded with The Gathering participating in the “Guns Down, Gloves Up” Softball Game for violence prevention workers from across NYC.
2023: The Gathering and Bronx Connect hosted a phone banking day for #Right2RemainSilent. The event had 15+ attendees, who collectively made over 100 calls to the NYS legislature. The phone-banking event resulted in several legislators agreeing to cosponsor the bill and/or committing to vote YES on the bill when brought to the floor for a vote.
2023: The Gathering for Justice and the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights hosted the “West to East: Legacy and Chicana Leadership” to honor the rich histories and legacies of our inspiring trailblazer, Ella Baker and founder of The Gathering, Harry Belafonte.
April 2023: A Memorial for our founder is produced by The Gathering for Justice called "Sing His Song" gathering hundreds at Lincoln Center’s Revson Fountain, celebrating Harry Belafonte's enduring legacy.
June 2023: A groundbreaking Latinx Police Accountability Network and Initiative convening was held in CA.
Celebrating 18 Years and Beyond:
18th Anniversary: Today, The Gathering for Justice stands tall, a living testament to unwavering dedication, resolute action, and the pursuit of justice. As the 18th candle flickers, it illuminates not only a path walked but a road ahead—a journey fueled by dedication, action, and unwavering promise of change.
Reflecting upon the last 18 years with The Gathering for Justice fills me with a deep sense of gratitude and humility. From the inaugural Gathering of Youth and Elders, I've had the honor of witnessing our evolution – from those intimate group gatherings to helping birth powerful movements. The privilege of being under the tutelage of giants, particularly Harry Belafonte and the wisdom of the Elders, is an indescribable gift that has profoundly shaped our trajectory.
Today, as we celebrate numerous milestones, including the launch of our five-year strategic plan, our annual impact report, and our strategic policy platform, I am immensely proud of the collective power we've built and the strides we've taken in championing justice and racial equity. Our past success fuels our enthusiasm for the future, and I am eagerly looking forward to the next chapter of our journey.
In Community,
Carmen Perez-Jordan
President and CEO