NEWARK - The New Jersey Institute for Social Justice tonight is hosting its Courage in Action Gala at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark, starting at 6 p.m.

New Jersey’s social justice event of the year features cocktails in Prudential Hall Lobby followed by dinner and an awards presentation in Prudential Hall at NJPAC.

"Courage is not only a feeling - it’s a way of being in the world,” said Ryan Haygood, President & CEO of the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice. "In these turbulent times, when retreat can feel like the easier choice, we gather with our friends and colleagues to celebrate the courage of our Honorees – and commit to the courage that is in all of us. Courage is contagious. And when we embrace it together, we generate power.”

Tonight’s Honorees include:

• National Social Justice Award: Bryan Stevenson, Founder & Executive Director, Equal Justice Initiative
• Guardian of Civil Rights Award: Kristen Clarke, Former Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Justice
• Alan V. and Amy Lowenstein Social Justice Award: Rich Besser, President & CEO, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Tonight’s event also features performances by Zion Hill Baptist Church Choir of “Freedom,” “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and “Eyes on the Prize.”

The Institute is grateful to the generous corporate and individual sponsors of this event, including: Arnold & Porter; Susan and Thomas Dunn; Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey; Lowenstein Sandler; Maher Charitable Foundation; NJM Insurance Group; Panasonic; PSEG; Prudential; Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; United; and Ted and Nina Wells.

More information about the Gala can be found at njisj.org/gala2025.