For Immediate Release:
January 11, 2024
Contact:
Rachel Noerdlinger, rnoerdlinger@actumllc.com
Emma Brodsky, ebrodsky@actumllc.com
FPWA CEO JENNIFER JONES AUSTIN TO BE HONORED WITH 2024 REVEREND DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. AWARD AT QUEENS COLLEGE COMMEMORATION
Will Speak To Importance of Engaging Youth as Trump Leads Biden in Latest 2024 Polls, Threatening American Democracy and Racial Equity
New York, NY (Thursday, January 11, 2024) — FPWA CEO and Executive Director Jennifer Jones Austin will be honored with the 2024 Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award and deliver the keynote address at Queens College’s annual MLK Day Commemoration on Sunday, January 14th. Jones Austin will speak to the intentional nature of structural economic injustice, casting a vision for a different world, and being bold and courageous in the face of systemic hurdles. She will also speak to how the ethos of diversity, equity, and inclusion has been muddied by DEI opponents, and how its true intention is to uplift all underserved populations regardless of race and enrich our lives culturally, economically, and interpersonally.
The daughter of renowned faith and civil rights leader Reverend Dr. Williams Augustus Jones — a former advisor to Martin Luther King Jr. and mentor to Rev. Al Sharpton — Jennifer Jones Austin leads an anti-poverty organization dedicated to strengthening human services organizations and faith institutions, and advancing economic opportunity and justice for New Yorkers with low incomes. Last year, FPWA released an analysis leading up to the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington, which found that since the original march in 1963, racial disparities across housing, education, employment, wages, and voting rights have remained stagnant, or in many cases widened to a staggering degree. In August, Jones Austin marched with the King family and other civil rights leaders in Washington DC to continue the fight for freedom, equality, and justice.
The ceremonial event will include featured speakers including Queens College President Wu who will discuss the importance of engaging youth to further racial justice and prevent stalled progress. The event will also feature a musical performance by the Queens College Treble Chorus and the premiere of the latest docuseries episode on the Queens College x MLK legacy connection.
**RSVP here for the 3pm Commemoration Ceremony**
WHO:
Jennifer Jones Austin, CEO and Executive Director of the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies (FPWA)
Frank H. Wu, President of Queens College
William Barron, Queens College Student Association President
Makayla Noble, QC Black Student Union President
City, State, and Federal Government Officials
Queens College Treble Chorus
WHERE:
LeFrak Concert Hall, Queens College
65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367
WHEN:
Sunday, January 14, 2024
Commemoration Program: 3pm EST
About FPWA
FPWA is a leading, anti-poverty policy and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening human services organizations and faith institutions, and advancing economic opportunity and justice for New Yorkers with low incomes. Since 1922, FPWA has driven groundbreaking policy reforms to better serve those in need. We work to dismantle the systemic barriers that impede economic security and well-being, and strengthen the capacity of human services agencies and faith organizations so New Yorkers with lower incomes can thrive and live with dignity.
Find out more at fpwa.org, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
###
