HONOREE & AWARDEES
Read more about the esteemed honorees and awardees recognized by The Gathering for Justice.
Desiree Perez
Harry Belafonte Social Justice Award
Desiree Perez is a trailblazer, entrepreneur, and humanitarian who is resolute in fighting for the rights of others, especially those from marginalized communities and underrepresented populations. She is the CEO and co-founder of Roc Nation, one of the world’s most revered entertainment organizations. In conjunction with Team Roc, the activism and philanthropy division of Roc Nation, Desiree has worked with The Gathering for Justice to amplify advocacy efforts and elevate community-based and large-scale campaigns. A powerful ally to The Gathering, Desiree has lent her expertise, resources, and platform to champion critical reforms in probation and parole laws and raise awareness of the need for transparency, accountability, and racial equity throughout the nation’s judicial system. Additionally, Desiree’s contributions to The Gathering’s mission are demonstrated through her participation in grassroots movements, including her role in organizing the 2020 “March for Stolen Lives and Looted Dreams” event in New York City. Alongside her work with The Gathering for Justice, Desiree is involved with other organizations that address criminal justice reform, maintaining board memberships to both the United Justice Coalition and REFORM Alliance. Blending her professional acumen with her philanthropic pursuits, Desiree has executive-produced several investigative documentary series, leveraging her position in the entertainment industry to bring to light stories of injustice, honor victims of systemic inequalities, and educate global audiences.
At Roc Nation, Desiree’s remarkable compassion is evident. She remains dedicated to the company’s goal of promoting diversity and representation, supporting causes that resonate deeply with those around her. Passionate about Roc Nation’s clients, Desiree plays a vital role in helping members of the Roc Nation family grow their own nonprofits, encouraging each individual to make a meaningful impact through their charitable endeavors. Desiree previously received the United Way of New York’s Community Quarterback Award, which was presented to her at the organization’s 29th Annual Gridiron Gala, in recognition of her decades of humanitarian work.
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Danny Glover
Legacy of Justice Award
Danny Glover is an acclaimed actor, producer, and humanitarian whose career spans more than four decades across film, television, and theater. Known for iconic performances in The Color Purple, Lethal Weapon, and To Sleep with Anger, Glover has earned Emmy, NAACP Image, and Independent Spirit Award nominations for his powerful portrayals of complex characters. A San Francisco native and graduate of San Francisco State University, he began his acting journey at the American Conservatory Theater before emerging as one of Hollywood’s most respected performers, known for bringing depth and integrity to every role.
Beyond his artistic achievements, Danny is a lifelong activist committed to global and domestic justice. He has championed labor rights, racial equity, and human rights causes for decades, serving as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and supporting movements for peace, democracy, and workers’ dignity across the Americas, Africa, and the Caribbean. A trusted ally of social justice leaders including Harry Belafonte, Nelson Mandela, and Dolores Huerta, Danny Glover continues to use his voice and platform to challenge inequality and inspire collective action toward a more just and humane world.
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Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari
Gathering In Community Award.
Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari serves as Co-Executive Director of the Alliance for Quality Education (AQE), the leading statewide organization advancing educational justice in New York State. With more than 20 years of organizing and advocacy experience, Zakiyah brings deep expertise as a parent of eight New York City public-school students and as a former parent activist who transitioned into leading roles at AQE. She has directed campaigns addressing equitable school funding, ending the school-to-prison pipeline, culturally responsive education, and community school governance reform.
Zakiyah also serves as Rapid Response Coordinator for the Resistance Revival Chorus a collective of womxn and non-binary vocalists using music as a tool for activism and social change. She is also a member of Justice League NYC, is a task force of activists, artists, and formerly incarcerated leaders working to advance criminal justice reform through direct action, policy advocacy, and cultural organizing.
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