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JFunders24: The Annual Gathering of Journalism Funders
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JFunders24: The Annual Gathering of Journalism Funders
January 2024—
25
3:00 pm—4:30 pm

Philanthropy New York 320 East 43rd Street; James Baldwin Room

This is a funder-only gathering.

Register

“Brooklyn’s Baddest” is a documentary in development that explores the consequences of the “war on drugs” and mass criminalization in New York City during the 1990s through present day, telling the stories of nearly 20 young men who were wrongfully convicted after investigations by the same police detective.

Derrick Hamilton spent an astonishing 27 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. During that time, Hamilton taught himself the law and subsequently won his freedom. Hamilton tirelessly continues to fight for the freedom of people who have been wrongfully convicted and incarcerated due to the corrupt actions of the same detective. Brooklyn’s Baddest is a story about New York City, the criminal legal system, and ultimately, friendship, brotherhood and the fight for truth and justice.

Please join us for an exclusive screening of clips from “Brooklyn’s Baddest,” and engage in conversation with exonerated New Yorkers and leaders focused on criminal legal reform.

This program is organized by Philanthropy New York and co-sponsored by Media Impact Funders, Justice Reform Working Group and ABFE.

What will you learn?
  • Ongoing work to expose and address police and prosecutorial misconduct in Brooklyn, New York, consequences of the effort to address crime in the borough
  • The work of attorneys, advocates and incarcerated individuals to disrupt systemic barriers that prevent innocent people from achieving justice
  • The role funders can play in amplifying narratives of wrongful conviction and injustice
  • How documentary film can raise awareness and help advocate for legislative change
Speakers
  • Justin Bonus, Attorney
  • Nelson Cruz, Fighting 1999 murder conviction
  • Derrick Hamilton, Deputy Director, Perlmutter Center for Legal Justice; exonerated after 20 years in prison
  • Aaron Wilson, Executive Producer, “Brooklyn’s Baddest”
  • Speaker List in Formation
Who should attend?

All interested funders in grantmaking, public policy and related roles.

What to expect:

This is an in-person event with a panel discussion followed by Q&A. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before the program starts and be prepared to show your ID at the registration table. Space is limited and will be on a first come, first served basis.

How do you sign up?
  • Media Impact Funder members and guests: Please email register@philanthropynewyork.org with your name, title, organizational affiliation, business mailing address, and phone number. Please indicate by which organizer you were invited. (No fee.)
  • Non-Members: Please email register@philanthropynewyork.org. ($150 fee)
What else should you know?

The Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice has increased security protocols out of an abundance of caution to ensure the safety, security, and peace of mind of all of colleagues, tenants and visitors. No threat alerts have been received – this is a proactive measure only.

Here is the key information public visitors, guests and event attendees should be aware of before coming to Philanthropy New York:

  • All members of the public (i.e., everyone who is not staff, service providers or tenants) must present a photo ID with a name that matches the name on their registration.
  • Unregistered gallery visitors will also be required to show photo ID prior to entering the gallery, and when it reopens, the garden.
  • All bags will be subject to screening by a trained member of the security team.
  • Large bags and suitcases will not be allowed on workplace or convening floors, or in the gallery, and must be checked with security in the Welcome Lounge.
  • If a visitor arrives without a photo ID or the ID does not match their registration, security will contact the meeting or event host and that person will be required to come to the 43rd Street entrance to verify their guest.
  • Visitors should allow additional time to complete these screening procedures before their meeting or event begins.
  • Visitors should follow all posted signage and instructions from our security team.

Please email register@philanthropynewyork.org with any questions.