This event will be hosted by Atlantic Cape Community College.

Anyone at any age can create a movement and effect significant change, but Youth, Power and Policy will shine a light on the might of young people in highlighting important issues and shaping policy. Our panel discussants – scholars, activists and community leaders – will consider the role young people have played in building movements and influencing policy creation related to civil rights, immigration, and climate change. Attendees are also invited to return to “In the Weeds,” a sequel ZOOM event planned for the following week, designed to provide space to dialog about the real-life application of the “big picture” concepts explored in Youth, Power and Policy.

Attendees are also invited to return to “In the Weeds,” a sequel ZOOM event planned for the following week, designed to provide space to dialogue about the real-life application of the “big picture” concepts explored in Youth, Power, & Policy.

About DCP

Launched in January 2021, the Democracy Conversation Project (DCP) is an initiative designed to provide opportunities for community discussions about topics like the democratic process, the electoral college, voter suppression, civic engagement, and other areas related to democracy. Administered by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and funded by Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the reach and impact of the DCP will be furthered by collaboration. Eight colleges across the state will convene these public discussions. Faculty and community members will come together to offer this conversation series in March and April.

Moderator:

Dr. Augustine Nigro, Associate Professor of History and Government and Coordinator of Arts and Humanities, Atlantic Cape Community College

Dr. Augustine Nigro is a Professor of History of History and Government at Atlantic Cape Community College, where he teaches a variety of history, government and philosophy courses. He also serves as the area coordinator for the Arts and Humanity department. Dr. Nigro has a Ph.D. in American History from West Virginia University. He lives in Marlton, NJ along with his wife and two daughters.

Discussants:

Professor Richard Gibbons, Associate Professor of History and Government, Atlantic Cape Community College

Richard Gibbons has been Associate Professor of History and Government at Atlantic Cape Community College since 1995. He is the former advisor of the college’s History and Government club. He holds a MA in Political Science from Villanova University and is ABD in Political Science from Temple University. As a college student, Professor Gibbons attended study abroad programs in Europe and Central America.

Dr. Ben Dworkin, Director, Rowan Institute for Public Policy & Citizenship

Dr. Benjamin Dworkin serves as the founding Director of the Rowan Institute for Public Policy and Citizenship (RIPPAC) at Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ. Additionally, Dworkin teaches courses in the Rowan University Department of Political Science. Dr. Dworkin earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in political science at Rutgers University. His undergraduate degree is from Princeton University. To read Dr. Dworkin's full bio, click here.

Yolanda Melville, Esq., President, NAACP NextGen Alumni Leadership Council, Member of the Legal Committee of the NAACP National Board of Directors; Board Member, Atlantic County Coalition for a Safe Community

Yolanda N. Melville, Esq., is a Partner in Cooper Levenson’s Atlantic City, New Jersey office. She serves as General Counsel to numerous business entities and represents clients throughout every stage of the litigation process in both state and federal courts. Yolanda also serves as the Chair of the firm’s Diversity Committee. She earned her undergraduate degree from The College of William and Mary, a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Virginia Commonwealth University, and her Juris Doctor degree from Howard University School of Law. To read Melville's full bio, click here.

Alma Albarran Martinez, Alumna, Former Alumni Member of Atlantic Cape’s Board of Trustees.

Alma Albarran is an Atlantic Cape (’16) and Rowan (’18) alumni. She served on Atlantic Cape’s Board of Trustees as an Alumni Representative from 2016-2017. She is currently a marketing analyst at TA Instruments in New Castle, DE.

FAQ

Will this event be recorded? Yes

Will receive log-in information for this online event? Yes, it will be emailed to you the in the days leading up to the conversation.

Who do I contact with questions? Contact the New Jersey Council for the Humanities at 609.695.4838 or info@njhumanities.org