Saturday, November 7
6 pm
M&T Bank Exchange at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center
401 W Fayette Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Bid in our Silent Auction / Enter our Art Raffle / Donate
The Public Justice Center’s 40th anniversary celebration is an intentional community-inspired evening which will include multicultural influences, art, acknowledgement of PJC’s legacy, acknowledgement of civil justice pioneers, authenticity, warmth and joy. This evening is designed for us by us.
We’re excited to welcome Dr. IIyasah Shabazz for an inspiring armchair conversation with the Public Justice Center Executive Director, Dr. Khalilah M. Harris, on Black liberation and economic justice, the arts and justice in the spirit on Sankofa, and lessons learned from previous civil rights movements as well as Dr. Shabazz’s life and books, her current work, and her hopes for the future.
Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz is an award-winning author, educator, human rights advocate, and inspirational speaker who carries forward the legacies of her parents, Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz, while forging a powerful legacy of her own. Through her writing, teaching, humanitarian work, and keynote presentations, she promotes education, interfaith dialogue, cultural understanding, leadership, and the empowerment of young people, women, and girls. Her life’s work is devoted to helping others discover their inner strength, purpose, and ability to create meaningful change. As the daughter of two of the most consequential figures in the struggle for human and civil rights, Shabazz offers audiences an intimate perspective on history that few speakers can provide. She was raised by Dr. Betty Shabazz with a deep understanding of education, humanity, self-reliance, leadership, service, and love. While she is frequently asked to speak about the legacy of Malcolm X, Shabazz emphasizes the wisdom, courage, and compassion of Malcolm in the Desert, published in 2026, draws upon Malcolm X’s teachings and personal transformation to offer a roadmap for navigating a fast-moving and often divided world. Her acclaimed works also include the memoir Growing Up X and books for younger readers including Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X, X: A Novel, Betty Before X and The Awakening of Malcolm X. An experienced educator, Shabazz holds a Master of Science in Education and Human Resource Development from Fordham University and a Bachelor of Science from SUNY New Paltz. She has taught at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and has been recognized for her work in public service, education, and the arts. Her career has also included cultural and community outreach initiatives serving diverse populations and advising public and private organizations on programs designed to advance organizational, educational, and community goals. As a keynote speaker, Ilyasah Shabazz combines personal history, powerful storytelling, and an enduring message of self-worth, responsibility, education, compassion, and purpose, inspiring audiences to recognize their own ability to lead, serve, and become active participants in creating a better world.
Can’t attend? You can still be part of the celebration. Donate in honor of the PJC’s first 40 years.
Sabado, noviembre 7
6pm
M&T Cambio Bancario en el France-Merrick Centro de Artes Escénicas
401 W Fayette St,
Baltimore, MD 21201
Participa en Nuestra Subasta Silenciosa / Participa en nuestra Rifa de Arte / Haz una donació
La celebración del 40.º aniversario del Centro de Justicia Pública es una noche inspirada intencionalmente en la comunidad, cual incluyera influencias multiculturales, arte, reconocimiento del legado del Centro de Justicia Pública, reconocimiento de pioneros de la justicia civil, autenticidad, calidez y alegría. Esta noche es diseñada por nosotros, para nosotros.
Nos complace darle la bienvenida a la Dra. IIyasah Shabazz para mantener una inspiradora conversación amena con la directora ejecutiva del Centro de Justicia Pública, la Dra. Khalilah M. Harris, sobre la liberación de la comunidad negra y la justicia económica, las artes y la justicia siguiendo el espíritu de Sankofa, y las lecciones aprendidas de movimientos anteriores por los derechos civiles, así como la vida y las obras de la Dra. Shabazz, su trabajo actual y sus esperanzas para el futuro.
La Dra. Ilyasah Shabazz es una autora galardonada, educadora, defensora de los derechos humanos y conferencista inspiradora que perpetúa el legado de sus padres, Malcolm X y la Dra. Betty Shabazz, al tiempo que forja un poderoso legado propio. A través de sus escritos, su labor docente, su trabajo humanitario y sus ponencias magistrales, promueve la educación, el diálogo interreligioso, el entendimiento cultural, el liderazgo y el empoderamiento de los jóvenes, las mujeres y las niñas. Ha dedicado toda su vida a ayudar a los demás a descubrir su fuerza interior, su propósito y su capacidad para generar un cambio significativo. Como hija de dos de las figuras más importantes en la lucha por los derechos humanos y civiles, Shabazz ofrece al público una perspectiva íntima de la historia que pocos ponentes pueden aportar. La Dra. Betty Shabazz la crio inculcándole un profundo conocimiento de la educación, la humanidad, la autonomía, el liderazgo, el servicio y el amor. Aunque a menudo se le pide que hable sobre el legado de Malcolm X, Shabazz destaca la sabiduría, el valor y la compasión de Malcolm in the Desert, publicada en 2026, se inspira en las enseñanzas y la transformación personal de Malcolm X para ofrecer una guía que permita orientarse en un mundo en constante cambio y, a menudo, dividido. Entre sus aclamadas obras también se incluyen la autobiografía Growing Up X y libros dirigidos a los lectores más jóvenes, entre los que se encuentran Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X, X: A novel, Betty Before X y The Awakening of Malcolm X. Shabazz, una educadora con amplia experiencia, posee un máster en Ciencias de la Educación y Desarrollo de Recursos Humanos de la Fordham University y una licenciatura en Ciencias de la SUNY New Paltz. Ha impartido clases en John Jay College of Criminal Justice y ha sido reconocida por su labor en el ámbito del servicio público, la educación y las artes. Su trayectoria profesional también ha incluido iniciativas de divulgación cultural y comunitaria dirigidas a diversos colectivos, así como el asesoramiento a organizaciones públicas y privadas sobre programas diseñados para promover metas organizativas, educativas y comunitarias. Como ponente principal, Ilyasah Shabazz combina su historia personal, una narrativa impactante y un mensaje perdurable sobre la autoestima, la responsabilidad, la educación, la compasión y el sentido de propósito, lo que inspira al público a reconocer su propia capacidad para liderar, servir y convertirse en participantes activos en la creación de un mundo mejor.
¿No puede asistir? Aún puedes ser parte de la celebración. Haz una donación en honor a los primeros 40 años del Centro de Justicia Pública.
Sponsorships
Join long-time supporters, new friends, and the vibrant community that powers this movement for an unforgettable milestone celebration. Sponsorship opportunities range from $2,500 to $75,000 — and if you don’t see a level that’s the perfect fit, we’ll build one with you. Every level of support fuels the next 40 years of impact.
40th anniversary sponsorship guide
Contact us to learn more about sponsorship opportunities and find the right level for your organization. Robin McNulty, Institutional Giving Manager, at mcnultyr@publicjustice.org or 410-625-9409 x278.
Presenting Sponsor
$10,000+ Sponsors
$5,000+ Sponsors
$2,500+ Sponsors
Media Sponsors
Additional Sponsors
Coumba Ndiaye is the Communications Coordinator at the Public Justice Center.
Phone: (410) 625-9409
Nicole Happ is the Francis D. Murnaghan, Jr. Appellate Advocacy Fellow at the Public Justice Center.
(410) 625-9409 x222
Make a gift when you file your pro bono / IOLTA report.
Are you an attorney in Maryland? Help the PJC celebrate the first year of service of our Executive Director Khalilah M. Harris, EdD, JD, with a gift to help us realize our mission of building a just society by making a contribution to the Public Justice Center when you file your pro bono / IOLTA report with the Maryland Judiciary by September 10.
For more than 40 years, the PJC has advanced racial and economic justice through legal representation and advocacy alongside tenants, workers, students, and families to reform systems so that people have what they need to thrive. You can help fuel the next 40 years. Here’s how your gift could take action:
- $10/month could provide a know-your-rights workshop on tenants’ or workers’ rights.
- $20/month could support a directly impacted advocate to testify before state legislators about life-sustaining food and cash assistance benefits.
- $35/month could ensure a student facing exclusionary school discipline has representation.
- $50/month could support coalitions advocating for a right to counsel when basic needs are at stake.
File your report and make a donation here
Thank you!
Make a gift when you file your pro bono / IOLTA report.
Are you an attorney in Maryland? Help the PJC celebrate the first year of service of our Executive Director Khalilah M. Harris, EdD, JD, with a gift to help us realize our mission of building a just society by making a contribution to the Public Justice Center when you file your pro bono / IOLTA report with the Maryland Judiciary by September 10.
For more than 40 years, the PJC has advanced racial and economic justice through legal representation and advocacy alongside tenants, workers, students, and families to reform systems so that people have what they need to thrive. You can help fuel the next 40 years. Here’s how your gift could take action:
- $10/month could provide a know-your-rights workshop on tenants’ or workers’ rights.
- $20/month could support a directly impacted advocate to testify before state legislators about life-sustaining food and cash assistance benefits.
- $35/month could ensure a student facing exclusionary school discipline has representation.
- $50/month could support coalitions advocating for a right to counsel when basic needs are at stake.
File your report and make a donation here
Thank you!
Annette joined the Public Justice Center in July 2026 as a paralegal for the Human Right to Housing Project. Before working at PJC, they spent four years at CASA, helping to provide legal services to members primarily in eviction cases. Annette graduated from UMBC with a B.A in Political Science and Global Studies. She is a proud child of Colombian immigrants. When not at work, Annette loves cooking for friends, going to shows, and cozying up to a good book with her dog, Zuko.
Phone: (410) 625-9409
she/they
Alison is an attorney on the Workplace Justice Project team, which focuses on empowering workers through litigation fighting wage theft, know-your-rights education, and policy advocacy.
Alison was previously a staff attorney at We Are CASA. While in law school, she worked as an organizer with UNITE HERE Local 23 and interned at Central Virginia Legal Aid Society’s Virginia Farmworkers Program, Murphy Anderson PLLC, and the National Women’s Law Center.
Alison earned her J.D. at William & Mary Law School and her B.A. at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Before law school, Alison served as an AmeriCorps volunteer at the International Rescue Committee and then worked at Tahirih Justice Center. She grew up in the Shenandoah Valley and enjoys dancing and spending time in nature.
Phone: (410) 625-9409
August 7, 2026
Join us for a community-powered day of giving to mobilize resources and amplify the impact of Black-led social change across the Baltimore region
The Public Justice Center is proud to participate in CLLCTIVGive as an opportunity to expand awareness of our mission, celebrate our 40-year legacy of advocacy and community impact, and secure critical funding to sustain our work. Through this campaign, we aim to connect with new supporters, highlight the progress made over four decades, and raise essential resources that will allow us to continue advocating for equitable policies, empowering communities, and driving meaningful change for years to come. Our goal is to raise $25,000 for expanded know-your-rights education in multiple languages.
How to participate
- Make a gift
- Re-post PJC posts on social media. Find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
- Ask your family, friends, and colleagues to donate to the campaign. Create your personal fundraising page.
- Join us for a happy hour at Nest on August 5 from 5:30-7:30 pm (21 N Eutaw St, Baltimore)
- Join us for a book talk at the Ivy Bookshop on August 6 from 6:00-7:30 pm (5928 Falls Road, Baltimore)
- Sign up for text messages from the PJC so you can get updates on how to help the PJC earn prizes on August 7.
What is CLLCTIVGive?
CLLCTIVGive is a community-powered day of giving fueled by the collective strength of social media, collaboration, and shared investment in Black-led change. As an initiative of CLLCTIVLY, CLLCTIVGive brings together individuals, organizations, and supporters to mobilize resources and amplify the impact of Black-led social change efforts across the Baltimore region. Taking place on August 7, 2026, from midnight to 11:59 pm, this special day is an opportunity for the community to unite around a common purpose: strengthening local organizations, investing in transformative work, and ensuring resources reach the communities that need them most.
Samuel Kessler is the Managing Paralegal with the Public Justice Center’s Human Right to Housing Project. Prior to joining the PJC in July 2026, Samuel helped to develop and launch the Coordinated Intake System for Maryland’s Access to Counsel in Evictions after their introduction to legal services as an intake paralegal. After a childhood spent in southern West Virginia, Samuel found their home in Baltimore City while earning a Bachelor’s degree in Peace Studies at Goucher College. Outside of work, they can be found engaging in spirited political discussions while cooking meals for friends and family, refinishing vintage furniture, and reading classic works of literature and historical materialism.
Phone: (410) 625-9409
Shannon M. Dawkins, MBA, joined the Public Justice Center in July 2026 as its first People and Culture Lead. She is a strategic and purpose-driven human resources leader with more than 25 years of experience advancing organizational success through people-centered initiatives, compliance, and operational excellence. Throughout her career in the public, municipal, higher education, and nonprofit sectors, she has focused on reducing institutional barriers and aligning HR strategies with fairness, transparency, and equity, transforming operations to better support employees and organizational success.
Most recently, Shannon served as Director of the Office of Employee Benefits, Retirement, and Absence Management for Baltimore County Public Schools, where she led modernization efforts, strengthened compliance practices, and fostered a supportive and inclusive workplace culture. Previously, as an HR Business Partner for the City of Baltimore, she managed full-spectrum HR operations and built strong relationships with labor unions, significantly reducing grievances through open communication and collaborative problem-solving.
Shannon is a proud alumna of Morgan State University, Pennsylvania State University, and Johns Hopkins University. As she joins the Public Justice Center, she is excited to leverage her human resources expertise in support of PJC’s mission to pursue systemic change and build a just society. Shannon believes that an equitable, healthy, and empowered workforce is essential to advancing justice and expanding opportunities for underserved communities.
Shannon is the mother of one son and enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and watching HGTV.
Phone: (410) 625-9409 x227
she/her
