Reflections from the 2025 UJC Summit: Grounded in Purpose, Fueled by Community

With so many transformative activations taking place, May was a powerful month. On May 30, 2025, Roc Nation and the United Justice Coalition (UJC) hosted the third-ever UJCSummit at The Shed in Hudson Yards, New York City. Over 1,300 attendees gathered for a full day of deeply moving, thought-provoking conversations focused on criminal justice reform—a testament to what’s possible when people come together with intention, compassion, and purpose.

This was my second year attending (last year’s summit was held at the Javits Center), and I’m incredibly grateful for the invitation to return. I love being in positive spaces like this. Sometimes, I like to just be a wallflower—quiet, observant, taking it all in. This space reminded me why I keep showing up.

As I moved through the event, I observed so many independent and sustainable vendors, all forming an ecosystem that offers real, tangible resources—legal services, family support, healing pathways. I saw solutions. I saw people who care, who share their stories boldly. I witnessed intergenerational healing simply because this kind of space allows for it. These conversations matter—and this summit continues to hold that sacred ground.

This year’s event brought together 30+ changemakers, including:

• Charlamagne Tha God
• Angela Rye
• Dr. Michael Eric Dyson
• Ari Melber
• Barry Scheck
• Laura Coates
• Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, and many more.

Topics ranged from probation and parole reform to police accountability, mental health, and the unique challenges women face in the justice system. The programming was rich, emotional, and deeply necessary.

The community exhibition featured national and local organizations like:

• American Probation and Parole Association
• Children of Promise
• Center for Policing Equity
• Dream.org

These organizations didn’t just show up—they offered direct resources and advocacy tools to help attendees plug into real work on the ground.

Some of the most powerful highlights of the day included:

• A panel led by Angela Rye with the families of Botham Jean, Atatiana Jefferson, John Albers, and Ahmaud Arbery, the young Black man who was murdered in 2020 while jogging in Georgia. Hearing their lived experiences, their heartbreak, and their continued pursuit of justice moved the entire room. It was heartbreaking and healing all at once.
• A deeply informative mental health panel featuring Charlamagne Tha God and Mayor Brandon Scott, among others. The discussion explored new emergency response models that integrate mental health professionals rather than relying solely on police, offering real hope for safer, more humane outcomes in crises.
• A spotlight discussion on women and the criminal justice system used the Megan Thee Stallion case to showcase how Black women survivors are often doubted and punished for speaking out, even when the injustice they face is clear.
• A raw, emotionally charged conversation led by Josie Duffy-Rice, host of the Corruption Uncovered podcast, alongside survivors of abuse by former Kansas City police detective Roger Golubski. Their courage led to a standing ovation. It was unforgettable.

This summit isn’t just about panels—it’s about people. It’s about being present, bearing witness, and walking away different than how you arrived.

It was an honor to speak with Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, who has contributed immensely to his city by helping reduce crime and building community solutions through real leadership. What this young Black man and his team are doing is inspiring.

Another unscripted but unforgettable moment: I had the chance to exchange words of encouragement with Wanda Cooper-Jones, mother of Ahmaud Arbery and Allisa Charles-Findley, Botham Jean’s sister. Both women lost a black man very close to them, and it was my first emotional moment as I didn’t have the words atop my mind to say so, I offered support and encouragement.  Ahmad’s mother, her strength and advocacy helped bring global attention to her son’s case and ultimately led to the convictions of the three men responsible for his death. I thanked her and gave praise to God for Black mothers and sisters who continue to stand in the gap for US—and for the communities who stand behind them.  Please consider supporting her foundation, the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation, which continues to fight for equity, reform, and dignity in his name. You can also follow her ongoing advocacy on Twitter/X.

Backstage, I reconnected with filmmaker Kashief Williams, who was capturing moments with panelists, and I ran into Edwin Raymond, Emmy-winning documentarian, NYPD whistleblower, and author of An Inconvenient Cop. His presence reminded me how many voices are still needed in these conversations. Just putting it into the universe—but I’d love to see him speak at next year’s summit. He would bring insight and a powerful firsthand perspective that would only deepen the dialogue.

May had many milestones—this event was one of them—and I left this year’s summit feeling hopeful that organizers such as UJC and Roc Nation will continue to champion the voices and stories that matter. Which means: the work continues.