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Message From the
Executive Director
ELIZABETH Williams-Riley
Since 1927 The National Conference for Community
and Justice has been a part of the fabric of New York’s community, and
its mission to fight bias, bigotry and racism. Given the current state
of our nation, this work is more crucial than ever! I began my journey
with NCCJ in 1995 working with thousands of people leading workshops,
training volunteers, developing regional and national programs, engaging
business leaders in dialogue with grass-root community leaders, working
with faith leaders and encouraging people from various backgrounds and
professions to tackle tough issues of racism and discrimination in our
society.
Over the course of my eleven years with NCCJ, I
have watched people transform their lives and become agents of change.
I am one of those people. NCCJ’s work extends beyond its mission
statement to challenge individuals to connect their heart to their mind.
Many of us know that bias and prejudice are not noble attributes in any
society. Many of us see its impact in our daily lives. However, the
greatest challenge is recognizing our own personal contributions to
sustaining or breaking down the barriers that
keep us from understanding and respecting our differences.
It is our goal to provide community programs that
bring people together across cultural divides to first explore their own
personal bias and prejudice, learn the true value in having different
world views, and equip our participants with the necessary communication
and conflict resolution skills to interrupt behaviors and attitudes that
oppress others. We have chosen to take on an enormous task and have been
fortunate to have New York’s community leaders representing, various
industries, religious traditions, community advocacy groups, public and
private school systems, community volunteers and youth organizations
join us in our efforts. NCCJ’s rich legacy of building bridges and
promoting understanding and respect extend across all five boroughs, the
country and worldwide.
I challenge New Yorkers to participate in NCCJ
programs. NCCJ offers the “opportunity” and you provide
the “experiences” that help shape and mold the future of
human relations in New York. Dealing with the rapid growth of our
nation’s diversity requires constant change. This change demands
increased responsibility from everyone. Together we can become “the
change we wish to see in the world.” NCCJ is working hard to meet the
needs of the communities that we serve. NCCJ understands the importance
of creating strategic partnerships that help to advance our vision and
encourage individuals, organizations and corporations to embrace the
true value of diversity in order to build a more inclusive and just
society.
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(L-R): Melvin T. Williams, Jr., Arthur Keleher- 2005 National Paper Industry Honoree and Elizabeth Williams-Riley
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(L-R): Emerging Leader student Samantha, Elizabeth Williams-Riley and Melvin T. Williams, Jr. (Board Chair)
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(L-R): Dione Kenyon-2005 J & W Industry Honoree, Pearl Haung-Anytown Graduate and Elizabeth Williams-Riley
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Frank Sinatra School of Performing Arts Studens, Elizabeth Williams-Riley and Robert Frishe-Teacher
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Elizabeth Williams-Riley at NCCJ's 2006 National Paper Industry Dinner
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