Association of Black Law Students - Rutgers Newark
Jazz for Justice is a scholarship gala organized by the Association of Black Law Students (ABLS) of Rutgers Newark. Its aim is to honor the extraordinary feats of Rutgers alumni in the practice of law and in the greater community. Thanks to the President of ABLS, Jessica Dufort, I had the pleasure of photographing this year's gala, which took place at the Newark Museum of Art in Newark, NJ. When I started photography, I did not know that this journey would lead me to the same rooms as some of the esteemed dignitaries present this night – needless to say, I was in awe. Amongst the many greats in the building, we were graced with the presence of Vickie Donaldson, Honorable Jamel K. Samper, and Daniel Pierre, Esq.
In 1969, while at Rutgers, Vickie Donaldson, a member of the Black Organization of Students, played a pivotal role in leading a protest. This involved a lockdown of Conklin Hall after weeks of the administration neglecting their demands. The demands included the acceptance of all Newark high school graduates applying before Sept. 1, 1969; granting Black students the opportunity to complete at least three semesters before facing dismissal for academic reasons; and allowing Black students to 'erase the first year’s academic record and start anew the following year with a clean slate.'
Honorable Semper and Daniel Pierre, Esq., stand as formidable figures in their respective domains, consistently pushing the boundaries of excellence within their areas of expertise. They do so proudly, rooted in their origins. It was truly an honor to document such an inspiring event.
