Avenues for Justice Happenings and Special Events!

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At Avenues for Justice (AFJ), our Harlem and Lower East Side community centers serve as safe, vibrant spaces where our young people access daily programming. From Teen Empowerment, Legal Rights, Art Therapy to the Leadership Council, our workshops provide wraparound support that helps our Participants grow, lead, and thrive. In addition to daily activities, we host special events that celebrate cultural heritage, welcome inspiring guest speakers, and create opportunities for our young people to network. As we welcome summer, we would like to share recent events that have made a lasting impact on our AFJ community.

Leadership Council Game Night

At the beginning of June, AFJ’s Leadership Council, made up of seven Participants, hosted its first Game Night event at our Harlem community center. With the support of Teen Empowerment Facilitator, Dr. Dennis Ibude, and designed to amplify activism, the Council created space for connection, community, and joy. Participants competed in friendly rounds of Ultimate Rock, Paper, Scissors, Flip the Cup, Connect 4, and Jenga. It was an afternoon filled with laughter and peer-to-peer bonding.

“Game Night was more than just games—it was a reminder of the importance of safe spaces where young people can build community, laugh, and connect beyond their day-to-day challenges. Watching the Leadership Council lead the event with such energy and ownership was inspiring.” —Dr. Dennis Ibude

 Goldman Sachs Tour

Organized by AFJ Job Developer, Shantel Brooks, and thanks to AFJ Board Member and Goldman Sachs VP Danielle O’Bannon, and Goldman Sachs’ Community TeamWorks, our Participants visited Goldman Sachs (GS) headquarters on June 9th for “Career Day”. The day included a guided tour of the building and a dynamic job readiness workshop where Participants received resume support, engaged in mock interviews, and learned about financial literacy. Participants also had the opportunity to hear from GS professionals about their career journeys.

 DCAS Recruitment Event

On June 12th, AFJ hosted recruitment specialists from the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services Office of Citywide Recruitment (DCAS OCR) at our Harlem center. The event drew 40 Participants as they learned about applying for civil service positions, from engineering and park services to graphic design and urban planning. These sessions help open new doors and expand possibilities beyond the traditional industries that our young people search for jobs in.

Look Good Feel Good Movement’s (LGFGM) Free Grooming Services

While some Participants attended the DCAS event, others gathered at our Lower East Side center to receive free grooming services provided by AFJ partner Greg Purnell, founder of the Look Good Feel Good Movement. In his fourth visit with AFJ, Greg turned the space into a pop-up barbershop offering free haircuts, shape-ups, beard trims, conversation, and connection. With music playing and stories flowing, the event provided a powerful reminder of how small acts of self-care are necessary for our wellness.

 Juneteenth Celebration

Last Wednesday, our Leadership Council organized and led a community-centered Juneteenth Celebration at our Harlem center, with the support of Facilitator Dr. Dennis Ibude and Court Advocate Messiah. The celebration kicked off with a soul food dinner catered by AFJ HIRE Up partner, KD’s Comfort Foods, followed by a presentation on the history and significance of Juneteenth. The Leadership Council spoke about the importance of celebrating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, who were the last to be notified that they were free.

Dessert from another HIRE Up partner, Yummy Tummy’s Kitchen, capped off the evening along with raffle prizes. This gathering was a huge success and an excellent way for the Leadership Council to showcase their public speaking skills while celebrating an important holiday.

“Our Juneteenth Celebration was a beautiful showcase of youth leadership, storytelling, and community appreciation. From the powerful short film and youth-led history segment to the staff awards rooted in Juneteenth themes, every moment honored resilience and legacy. Closing the evening with food, music, and connection truly made it a family-style celebration the AFJ way.” —Dr. Dennis Ibude

 AFJ Debate Team Debut

Lastly, we’re proud to celebrate the AFJ Debate Team who are competing in their first public debate tonight. The AFJ Debate Team had 15 intensive sessions led by Debate Coach and Fortune Society Director of Public Policy, Reggie Chatman. Our Participants will face off against the Center for Community Alternatives (CCA) Youth Action Leadership Council on if social media does more harm than good. We look forward to cheering our young people as they showcase their public speaking and critical thinking skills.

Join us today from 4-7 PM at 179 Livonia Avenue in Brooklyn to rally behind our AFJ Debate Team!