You're invited to a reception supporting the work of the Labor-Religion Coalition of New York State and honoring leaders in the fight for justice in our state.

Where: United Federation of Teachers, 52 Broadway, New York, 3rd Floor

When: 6-8 pm h'ors d'oeuvres, 6:45 pm program

Join us to learn more about LRC's efforts to build a moral movement in New York State and to celebrate these outstanding honorees:

Evelyn DeJesus, Executive Vice President, American Federation of Teachers

Evelyn DeJesus was elected executive vice president of the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO in July 2019. She also serves as the vice president for education of the United Federation of Teachers and is the former board vice president of the Labor-Religion Coalition. DeJesus traveled an unexpected road from an engaged parent to educator and trade unionist. Her activism began when one of her daughters became ill during a school construction project. DeJesus publicly exposed the toxic environment. Her courageous whistleblowing actions led to what’s now commonly known as the Great Asbestos Scandal of 1993.

Evelyn began her career in education working as a state-certified parent educator and then as an assistant director for the Even Start Program for pregnant teens, all while pursuing a bachelor’s degree. She went on to become an early childhood teacher and reading specialist at PS 126. She earned a B.A. in psychology, an M.S.Ed. in education and public administration from Baruch College, an M.S.Ed. in reading and curriculum development from Fordham University and an additional 30 credits in reading from New York University. A skilled teacher and trained administrator, DeJesus is a forceful advocate for justice, undaunted and unafraid to speak truth to power.

Rev. Holly Haile Thompson, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Potsdam

The Rev. Holly Haile Thompson, DD is a blood member of the Shinnecock Nation, Long Island, New York. She studied at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, IA, graduated in 1985 and was ordained by the Presbytery of Western Colorado in 1986; becoming the first Native American Woman to become Minister of Word and Sacrament/Teaching Elder in the history of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

After teaching Presbyterian Polity at Cook College & Theological School, Tempe, AZ, she served as pastor with the Ute Mountain Presbyterian Church in Towaoc, CO, before returning home to Shinnecock with her young son, Canku. She served in several Long Island parishes, as well as with the United Methodist Church’s NEJCONAM – Native American Ministries. She is now pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Potsdam, NY, where she has been a leader in the new North Country committee of the New York Poor People's Campaign.

Green Light New York: Driving Together Campaign

The Green Light Campaign brings together immigrant communities, advocates, allies, and other stakeholders throughout New York to advocate for access to drivers' licenses for all qualified New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status. The campaign won a huge victory in 2019 when the Green Light Legislation was passed by the Assembly and the Senate and signed by the governor. Thanks to their work, thousands of immigrant New Yorkers will be able to access driver's licenses beginning in December. The Campaign continues to work on implementation of this legislation to ensure that it is a reality in every corner of the state.