New York, NY, May 30, 2023… On Thursday, ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) New York/New Jersey was thrilled to announce the recognition of 239 schools for the 2022-2023 school year who were designated “No Place for Hate” in the downstate region. ADL welcomed 400 students and educators to the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts for the first in-person banner ceremony since COVID-19.
Nearly 150,000 students across downstate New York and northern and central New Jersey were dedicated in making their school community No Place for Hate, meaning they completed at least three No Place for Hate approved activities.
“Thursday’s banner ceremony recognizes the hard work of teachers and students across the downstate region,” said ADL New York/New Jersey Regional Director Scott Richman. “We are thrilled to return to the Skirball Center to celebrate their achievements and dedication to creating inclusive school communities where students respect one another and celebrate difference and diversity.”
ADL presented the Making A Difference Award to Alfred Uhry, Book Writer of PARADE, who accepted the award on behalf of the 2023 Tony-nominated company of PARADE.
As he arrived on stage, Alfred began by telling the students, “I’m very proud of you all” and went on to say, “I wish that No Place For Hate had been around when I was such a victim of hate back in High School in Georgia. You guys weren’t there when I needed you, but you are now. I am so honored to receive this award and accept it on behalf of everybody involved with PARADE.”
Each year, ADL New York/New Jersey recognizes two educators, one from our upstate and downstate region, that have gone above and beyond to make their school communities No Place for Hate. For the downstate region, we were proud to recognize Josephine Kirkland-Hudson, Rebecca Turner Elementary School, with the Gold Star Educator Award at Thursday’s ceremony.
Josephine Kirkland-Hudson has been a social worker for almost 25 years and has worked at Rebecca Turner Elementary School since 2005. This year, she worked to bring No Place for Hate to the all 16 Mount Vernon schools.
ADL also recognizes one student per grade level, per region who has embodied the No Place for Hate mission in their school. ADL NY/NJ recognized the following Cynthia Marks Student Legacy Award Winners for the 2022-2023 school year:
- Elementary: Sariyah, 5th grade, Brooklyn, NY
- Middle: Chloe, 8th grade, Great Neck, NY
- High: Abigail, 12th grade, Middletown, NJ
For more information on ADL’s No Place for Hate Program, click here: https://www.noplaceforhate.org/
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About ADL
ADL is a leading anti-hate organization. Founded in 1913 in response to an escalating climate of antisemitism and bigotry, its timeless mission is to protect the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment for all. Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of hate with the same vigor and passion. ADL is the first call when acts of antisemitism occur. A global leader in exposing extremism, delivering anti-bias education and fighting hate online, ADL’s ultimate goal is a world in which no group or individual suffers from bias, discrimination or hate. More at www.adl.org.
About PARADE
Parade is directed by three-time Tony nominee Michael Arden, with book by two-time Tony Award winner, Pulitzer Prize winner, and Academy Award® winner Alfred Uhry, music and lyrics by three-time Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown, and co-conceived by 21-time Tony Award-winning legend Harold Prince.
Leo and Lucille Frank (Ben Platt and Micaela Diamond) are a newlywed Jewish couple struggling to make a life in the old red hills of Georgia. When Leo is accused of an unspeakable crime, it propels them into an unimaginable test of faith, humanity, justice, and devotion. Riveting and gloriously hopeful, Parade reminds us that to love, we must truly see one another. More at www.paradebroadway.com.