"Through my educational pursuits, I’m finding my voice in the fight against racial and social injustices. I want to go deeper in that work and so whatever I do will align with helping the various communities in a part of secure justice." 

 In the midst of a tumultuous election year, another season of mounting racial and social injustices, and growing health disparities based on race, there continues to be a tremendous need for racial healing and transparent dialogues on campuses and in communities across our nation.

Kareem Willis from Yendor Productions among organizers of one of Newark's social justice mural painting

"The obvious choice for the first award recipient was Kareem Willis. In his activism, achievements, and flair, Kareem mirrors Rodney's own passions and presence, and in stewarding Yendor Productions, he ensures an incredible legacy."

When Kareem Willis (BA’16, MA’17) begins his PhD program in the fall of 2017, he will be the first student to study in all three School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) degree programs...

exploring the underlying social equity and social justice issues and concerns within public administration, public management, and nonprofit management, leadership, and philanthropy."

Kareem Willis reflects on his undergraduate career and provides words of advice for students following him. 

Kareem Willis' team won the Dr. L. Frances P. Liddell Student Policy Debate at the Conference of Minority Public Administrators (COMPA) 2019 and again at the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) Annual Conference (2019).

Express Newark is a conceptual framework and an interdisciplinary learning space where artists and community residents collaborate, experiment, and innovate in partnership with Rutgers University–Newark (RU-N)...

"Consequently and unsurprisingly, this year Willis also received a Human Dignity Award from the Committee to Advance Our Common Purpose and last year accepted a COF award."