CONTACT:
Elizabeth Williams-Riley, Executive Director
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212.870.2113
www.nccjny.org

“If not YOU…THEN WHO? If not NOW …THEN WHEN?”

300 STUDENTS UNITE TO FIGHT “HATE IN THE HALLWAYS”

New York, NY – The National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) of Greater New York will host its 5th Annual Hate in the Hallways Youth Leadership Summit on Thursday, May 22, 2008 from 8 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at St. Francis College in Brooklyn, NY for 300 high school students and teachers. Presidential candidates have challenged our nation to talk openly and honestly about race and its impact on our society and NCCJ answers the call!

The ultimate goal of the summit is to develop compassionate leadership that has a powerful public voice. Hate in The Hallways challenges stereotypes and calls on students and teachers to take action, starting with their own biased behaviors, in order to create lasting social change. The students attend a series of workshops throughout the day that focus on stereotypes, racism, and the impact of media on cross-cultural relationships. This year Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz will join NCCJ in our efforts to bridge gaps across cultural and racial divides and help youth tackle tough issues of stereotypes and prejudice. In addition, a special proclamation will be given by New York City Council Member David Weprin.

Special guests will also include The “New” Step Team for Social Justice. This team is made up of professional steppers ages 16 -26 that perform traditional college steps that originate from the gumboot dance of Africa. Their goal to promote themes of peace, justice, love and equality and incorporates music, song, spoken word and dance.

Surveys from our previous summits reveal that 85% of participants experience prejudice and discrimination on their school campus. Schools are often the intersection of cultural clashes and many are not equipped to handle these matters. This program also provides a unique opportunity for teachers to explore how personal bias an influence interactions with their students. “It is times like this, in the midst of the aftermath of the verdict of the Shawn Bell case that boldly addressing race relations in New York is more needed than ever! Obama has called the nation to confront the legacy of racism and inequity. In New York NCCJ answers this call through programs like Hate In The Hallways”says Elizabeth Williams-Riley NCCJ Executive Director.

The National Conference for Community and Justice was founded in 1927 as the National Conference of Christians and Jews. The historic name confused many, who believed that NCCJ was an interfaith organization. Therefore the new name is not a change in vision, but rather an affirmation of our abiding commitment to embrace the diversity of our nation. NCCJ is a 501c3 nonprofit human relations organization dedicated to fighting bias, bigotry and racism. NCCJ has a rich legacy of working with our nation’s leadership to bring diverse groups together to tackle “America’s Unfinished Business” with race relations. NCCJ challenges prejudice attitudes and behaviors that often deny individuals a fair chance at success. NCCJ of Greater New York continues to promote understanding and respect among all races religions and cultures and works with students, educators, community volunteers, and professionals to build awareness of the harmful impact of prejudice and discrimination in society.

For more summit details, to become a media partner, or to make arrangements to attend the conference, contact Bari Katz, Program Director at 212.870.2114 or This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

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