Pace University yesterday unveiled a mural in the Kessel Student Center to commemorate the memory of Danroy "DJ" Henry Jr., a Pace student-athlete who was shot and killed by a police officer 11 years ago.

The mural unveiling effectively kicks-off Pace University's Second Annual Social Justice Week, which runs from October 24 to October 29 and includes a wide range of events, lectures, and original programming to engage the campus community about issues of equity, justice, and racism. Pace University is committed to being an anti-racist institution and Social Justice Week helps foster education and advocacy to its students, faculty and staff.

In remarks at the mural unveiling, President Marvin Krislov thanked students who led this project for their hard work, their dedication to DJ Henry’s legacy, and their commitment to the Pace community.

“What happened to DJ Henry was an unforgettable, unforgivable tragedy. But his legacy lives on,” said President Krislov. “It lives on in his legacy of kindness and commitment. It lives on in the efforts of our students to ensure he is commemorated. It lives on our important Social Justice Week of programming. It lives on in our commitment to justice, progress, and anti-racism. And lives on in this beautiful mural.”

This initiative was primarily student-driven, from advocating for the mural, selecting the artist, securing funding from Student Government Association, and contributing ideas for the artwork. The 12 foot by 8 width mural was painted by Brittney S. Price, a Los Angeles-based artist who specializes in powerful visual commentary on current events. She's recently worked on campaigns for Black Lives Matter, Change.org, Paint the City Peaceful, We Rise LA, and LA Commons.

For Irach’e “Shea” Teague and Ja’Rette Mungin – Pace University students who helped conceive and advocate for the mural – the art in the student center is a fitting tribute and constant reminder of Henry’s legacy.

"A mural in honor of Danroy ‘DJ’ Henry is important for the entire Pace community because it shows what we can accomplish together as a community,” said Teague, a senior English major from Long Island. “Equity and accountability is the only way we can achieve justice and that is the start to greater change. I’m excited to help continue DJ’s legacy.”

Mungin, a graduate student from Bronx, N.Y., added: "The mural in honor of Danroy ‘DJ’ Henry is important because it helps to promote social awareness and to spread positivity. It is necessary to be consistently socially aware so that we can protect and nurture our students of color. DJs legacy lives on through them.”

"DJ’s mural is a lasting legacy that represents not only him, but the countless amount of black people who have lost their lives through police brutality over the years,” said Student Government Association President Kimberly Mars, a junior from Jersey City, N.J. “DJ’s story acts as a reminder of the work that we have to do in this country and the commitment that we all should make to continue to push for social justice. The fight for equality is not over but this is a reminder that we are making progress toward change.”

During Pace’s inaugural Social Justice Week last year, there was a screening and discussion of the 48 Hours segment, “The Story of DJ Henry” as well as a campus rally on October 29—DJ Henry’s birthday. Pace also retired his No. 12 jersey and the clock tower at Goldstein Fitness Center is named for Henry. View the full schedule of this year’s Social Justice Week events.

Image

About Pace University

Since 1906, Pace University has educated thinking professionals by providing high quality education for the professions on a firm base of liberal learning amid the advantages of the New York metropolitan area. A private university, Pace has campuses in New York City and Westchester County, New York, enrolling nearly 13,000 students in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in its Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Lubin School of Business, College of Health Professions, School of Education, School of Law, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

Tell us a bit about your background.

I was born and raised in Ukraine. During my childhood and teenage years, I used to play soccer professionally for soccer clubs Shakhtar Donetsk and Metallurg Donetsk. I came to the United States when I was 17 to go to college in New York. I lived with my older sister for a while until I decided to join the military. After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, I graduated from Pace University in New York City and started at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University in Fall 2021. My parents still live in Ukraine. My father is an electrical engineer, and my mother is a college professor. My sister continues to live in New York and works as a tax lawyer for a large international law firm.

What inspired you to pursue a career in law?

My sister was an original source of inspiration for me because she told me about her law school experience and some of the cases that she had worked on early in her legal career that had a real impact on other people’s lives. While she currently works as a corporate tax lawyer, she also does a significant amount of pro bono work for clients in need of immigration, tax and other advice. Similar to her, I want to be able to help immigrants obtain legal status in the US, as well as help people in need have proper representation in courts. Eventually joining efforts with my sister would be an added bonus!

What activities are you involved in as a student?

I have been involved in Pace Veterans Association since my undergraduate years at Pace University. As a member of this organization, I have participated in numerous events throughout the years, such as Veterans Day parades, 9/11 events, job fairs, and speaking panels with military leaders. Being involved in Pace Veterans Association has been an extremely positive experience for me because I got a chance to be a part of a really dynamic veterans’ community and became friends with lots of other student veterans. Throughout our undergraduate years, we have supported each other on both academic and personal fronts. At Haub Law, I have joined the Military Law and Veterans’ Society and am looking forward to meeting my fellow veteran law students there. I have also recently become involved in the Sports, Entertainment, and Arts Law Society and the Criminal Justice Society at the Law School.

Thank you for your service. Can you speak about that experience?

The years I spent in the military have been life-changing for me. Completing boot camp in Parris Island was a very tough experience, which taught me to persevere and withstand any challenges. After completing the boot camp, I went to Marine Combat Training in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and then Supply School (Logistics) in Camp Johnson, North Carolina. Subsequently, I was assigned to 3^rd Battalion, 1^st Marines (Infantry Battalion) aboard Camp Pendleton, California. In Camp Pendleton, I had two jobs –Supply Administration and Combat Marksmanship Coach. As part of the Supply Administration job, I had to account for the property of my Battalion, as well as place requisitions for the items that we were deficient on. I also had to oversee and manage the budget that my Battalion could spend on various items. As the Combat Marksmanship Coach, I had to supervise Marines on the shooting ranges, make sure that they adhere to the safety procedures, and correct their shooting positions so they could become more proficient in their shooting skills.

During my service, I have been deployed to Okinawa, Japan for 7 months. I also received a number of awards from the military, including three Certificates of Commendation for exemplary performance and Certificates of Recognition for volunteer services. As part of such volunteer services, I, among other things, helped US veterans who were homeless, displaced or disabled to find shelter, search for jobs, and prepare for job interviews.

What does it mean to you to be a veteran?

Being a veteran is of great importance to me. While serving in the Marine Corps, I have experienced a unique sense of comradery, friendship and support for each other. Every year when I march with Pace University in the Veterans Parade on November 11^th, I experience very special moments of pride, joy and happiness. Military service has also had an impact on my law school experience. Mainly, it taught me mental and physical discipline, which I regularly incorporate into my law school life.

What do you enjoy doing outside of school?

I love to play soccer, run and exercise at the gym – I find that regular physical activities help me stay focused in school. I also like to spend time with my family and friends and read about sports.

What advice would you give a new or prospective law student?

Attending law school is a challenging, but very interesting path. Be ready to work hard and put in the hours and I am sure your efforts will pay off in the future.

Image

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs. Celestine Garner, a long-term member of the School of Education community. Celestine was a Clinical Supervisor who mentored, advised, and was a valuable resource and friend to our undergraduate and graduate students who were completing their field placements. Her extensive knowledge of education and warm disposition not only made the clinical experience rewarding for our students, but it also made her a cherished colleague. With over 27 years of teaching experience in the Mount Vernon School District, she made a positive impact on countless students and their families. Our hearts go out to her family, as we remember Celestine Garner, and the many lives she has touched.

Image

Executive Director of the PWJC, Cindy Kanusher Esq., and the Pace Women’s Justice Center each received Denison Ray Civil Awards from the NYSBA. Cindy received the Legal Services Program Director Award and PWJC received the Nonprofit Organization Award. PWJC is the first Hudson Valley nonprofit organization to receive this award.

Image

“All of the photos in the exhibit are completely unedited,” says Christian Solar ’23. “I really want to make that clear, because when you see them, they look crazy.”

The images, which are part of Christian’s Digital Distorted exhibit at the Pace University Art Gallery, were captured on a semi-vintage (circa 2008) Kodak EasyShare camera that had originally belonged to his mother.

“It feels like such a stroke of luck,” Christian says about his exhibit. He had been working on some images and shared them with Gallery Director Sarah Cunningham who saw an opportunity to develop his work into a cohesive exhibit. He went after the opportunity in full-force.

“You look at the photo and video quality and you can pinpoint that this looks like early-2000s footage and it puts you back into that headspace,” he explains. “Even if I’m shooting really recent things, it still gives that feeling.”

“This camera is actually broken—certified broken,” he laughs. “I started using it because it gave me these surprise organic results. You never know what you’re actually going to end up with; I can’t predict it and it’s almost like a filter.”

Even though Christian’s cameras aren’t even 20 years old, in the world of digital media, they are vintage. There’s a distortion and fuzziness and a certain look that the cameras of 2021 just aren’t able to give. Plus, just take a look at Instagram and TikTok, with faux light-leaks and pixelated filters abound. There’s an ineffable quality to the recent past and Christian is capturing it, one photo and video at a time.

“You look at the photo and video quality and you can pinpoint that this looks like early-2000s footage and it puts you back into that headspace,” he explains. “Even if I’m shooting really recent things, it still gives that feeling.”

The exhibit is purely aesthetics, and for Christian, that was the point.

“I was looking to make things that were visually engaging,” he says. “There isn’t necessarily a deeper meaning behind it. With the video, sure, I’m working in visual symbology, but this exhibit is really all about looking pretty.”

Christian’s work is on exhibit now through October 30, 2021, at the Pace University Art Gallery at 41 Park Row. On Friday, October 22, join Christian and other gallery artists for a special reception from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

Haub Law Professor Cristina Buccola writes about what employers need to know about the cannabis law.

Let’s jump right in–how did you spend this past summer, as a rising 3L?

I was a summer intern at Black Marjieh & Sanford LLP. It was a great experience. I had the opportunity to complete assignments in many different aspects of insurance defense. On one day, I was preparing summaries of depositions and medical records. On another day, I was observing depositions, conferences, and was even asked to give feedback on case-strategy. I was also able to draft discovery demands, responses, and motions.

What do you feel you gained from your summer experience?

I definitely gained more practical legal experience, which was my goal for my 2L summer. I began the internship with little knowledge on insurance law and have left with a lot of valuable experience. I saw concepts such as negligence, service of process, and summary judgment at work, and analyzed them in current cases.I also sharpened my legal writing skills.

What activities are you involved in at Haub Law?

I am an Articles Editor on the Pace Law Review, where I lead a group of Junior Associates weekly. My law review note surrounding the Eighth Amendment and ICE detainees in the COVID-19 crisis will be published in the upcoming volume. Also, I am the Public Relations Chair for the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) and will be competing with the BLSA Mock Trial team. Along with those positions, I am a 3L Rep for the Women’s Association of Law Students.

Do you have a specific area of law you are focusing on or know what you hope to do upon graduation?

I am still undecided, but I plan to graduate with the Corporate Law Path to Practice. I have developed a strong interest in litigation, so I hope to do some type of litigation upon graduation, whether it is commercial litigation or in the public interest sphere.

What would you say about your Haub Law experience?

It has been great. I have been able to participate in moot court competitions, the Federal Judicial Honors Program, law review, and a few societies. The small class sizes are a plus in terms of grasping course content and having your professors know you by name. Also, the ability to participate in various externships and programs has helped me to see explore various areas of the law, while still figuring out what I would like to do upon graduation. The non-competitive atmosphere has allowed me to thrive academically and socially, as everyone wants to see you do great.