Asad Whitehead

"I believe that becoming a UJC Ambassador will help give me more knowledge about social justice initiatives and help direct me in my future endeavors. I want to continue raising my voice for the voiceless, and this opportunity will give me the resources that I need to do so. I fight for social justice because I recognize that our society is plagued by systemic inequalities and injustices that prevent certain groups from accessing the same opportunities as others. I strive to create a world where everyone, regardless of their race, gender, socioeconomic background, or any other characteristic, can thrive and reach their full potential."

As a UJC Student Ambassador for the state of New Jersey, I play a vital role in representing my state at the United Justice Coalition's Social Justice Summit in December, 2023. This unique opportunity allows myself to make a meaningful impact on social justice issues while working alongside renowned organizations and influential figures who share the same passion as me. 

Leading up to the summit, I am played a crucial role in organizing events, workshops, outreach, and panel discussions that addressed key social justice issues. These events aimed to educate, inspire, and empower the attendees to take action in their communities. I have also worked diligently to secure dynamic speakers, experts, and artists who could provide valuable perspectives on a range of social justice topics. 

The UJC Summit Student State Ambassador program is a 10-week internship at Roc Nation’s headquarters. Students from across the nation are supported and challenged to develop state-specific strategies and create action plans to generate greater awareness about the UJC Summit.

Through various meetings with social justice and industry leaders, individual guidance and collaborative sharing, I have gained insights and tools to reach out to multiple stakeholders including student and community leaders, elected officials, and nonprofit, public and private sector professionals. We also help to shape and refine the UJC Summit’s program content to further engage student voices and inspire them to Activate for Change.

Roc Nation's United Justice Coalition (UJC) Summit was a impactful event that brought together over 5,000 attendees, including activists, legal experts, artists, and community leaders, to engage in critical discussions about social justice, systemic reform, and actionable change. With a lineup of influential speakers, from Micheal Eric Dyson, to Charlamagne Tha God, panel discussions, and community-driven initiatives, the summit created an environment for open dialogue and collaboration on pressing issues such as criminal justice reform, economic empowerment, education, and voting rights.