33rd Annual

What is J4J?

Jazz for Justice is ABLS’s annual flagship gala. Every year we invite the legal community to join us ​and celebrate with Rutgers Law students, alumni, faculty, and community partners in an evening ​full of jazz, art, and food. We will also present the Wanda Green Scholarship to a current Rutgers ​Law student during the event. This annual scholarship was established to provide financial ​assistance to a student with demonstrated financial need who has overcome extraordinary ​circumstances.

This year, the event will take place on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 6:30pm. The event's theme will ​be Rose Petals of Resistance: A Night of Empowerment.

This year’s event will honor Vickie Donaldson, Honorable Jamel Semper, and Dan Pierre.

So get dressed up and join us for a night to ​remember!

abls

1968

ABLS is the organization of Black/African-American law students whose goal is to foster a just and equitable administration of the law. The organization strives to ensure that the fundamental human rights of blacks/African Americans and other oppressed groups are protected. The organization serves as a vehicle of expression for progressive causes in the world politic. ABLS, in essence, seeks to employ judicial and legal processes to increase social, political, and economic resources within Black/African-American communities in order to promote human dignity. ABLS is apart of the National Black Law Students Association.

2024 Honorees

Black Excellence at Rutgers Law School throughout the decades

Honoree

Vickie Donaldson, Esq.

Beginning at age 14 Vickie Donaldson participated in the Deep South civil rights movement. She brought her passion for racial equity to Rutgers-Newark as an undergraduate student she became a leader in the Black Organization of Students (BOS). She helped engineer the February 1969 nonviolent takeover of Conklin Hall, demanding more representation of African American students and faculty members at Rutgers-Newark. This revolutionary event transformed the university with the expansion of programs such as EOF and the hiring of an expanded cohort of faculty of color. Ms. Donaldson also received her Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law School in Newark and was named the first female General Counsel for the Newark Board of Education.

Some of Ms. Donaldson’s notable work includes the representation of Vulcan Pioneers where she challenged the layoffs of African American firefighters which ended the discriminatory practice of firing the most recent hires in 18 municipalities. Furthermore, other roles include Chief Social Service Planner for the City of Newark where she created a network of early childhood centers and program standards, Director of Homeless Services, at WLCAC the largest community social services organization in Watts, and Deputy General Counsel for Southern Christian Leadership Counsel.

Vickie Donaldson currently serves as the Director of Social Services and Homeless Programs for the City of Newark Department of Health and Community Wellness. She was formerly the Director for Gaudenzia, Inc. a homeless facility in Philadelphia. Finally, she served as the Legal Studies Director at Clara Community College (which has since become College of the Canyons). Ms. Donaldson’s expertise has reached many as she has lectured at numerous colleges and universities about race, poverty, and protest.

Honoree

Honorable JAMEL SEMPER

Jamel Semper was recently confirmed as the newest Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey after 15 impactful years of public service. Prior, Judge Semper served as an assistant U.S. attorney where he held the role of Deputy Chief of the criminal division located in Newark, New Jersey. Judge Semper received his Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law School in 2007, and since has led tremendous work within Union and Essex County prosecutor’s offices.

Honoree

Dan Pierre, Esq.

Daniel "Dan" Pierre is an attorney at Day Pitney. He has established himself advising clients on employment and traditional labor law matters. Mr. Pierre also provides legal and strategic advice to companies in the adult-use cannabis industry. Prior to private practice, he served as a Deputy Attorney General for New Jersey and clerked for the Honorable Susan L. Reisner in the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court.

Mr. Pierre is a 2015 Alum of Rutgers Law- Newark. Mr. Pierre will return to Rutgers Law School as a featured lecturer for the Cannabis Certificate Program and he currently serves on the Alumni Association Board of Trustees.

Wanda Anita Green was raised in Oakland, California and attended Oakland Public Schools where she graduated from Oakland Technical High School in 1970. She later earned an Associate of Arts degree in Education in 1991 from Rockland Community College in New York.

In 1973, she received her wings as a United Airlines Flight Attendant. Wanda traveled throughout the world and fulfilled her passion for flying. After almost thirty years of flying, Wanda was preparing to retire. She had earned her New Jersey Real Estate License and was working towards her Brokers License. She aspired to open her own realty office. As a realtor, Wanda had a stellar reputation and successfully assisted many first time buyers in achieving the “American Dream” of home ownership. Wanda was an active member of her community and served on several boards in leadership positions, including serving as a deacon at the Linden Presbyterian Church. While accomplishing all of this, Wanda raised two children, Jennifer, a paramedic and member of the Rutgers community and Joe, a NYPD Officer.

Wanda was a flight attendant on United Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. Her life was cut short when United Flight 93 was hijacked and crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Wanda Green was amongst the crew and passengers who gave their lives in a heroic effort to save the lives of thousands of others. Wanda was a portrait of selflessness and always had a smile on her face, heaven in her eyes and always willing to help others. Her commitment to others is an inspiration to all.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US!

WITH LOVE, ABLS