Social Justice Center Birthday Party

press release: When the Social Justice Center (SJC) opened its doors in 2000, it ushered in the concept “co-location” wherein progressive nonprofits shared office space for mutual benefit. The SJC was the brainchild of Nan Cheney, long-time community activist and Raging Granny singer. Her vision came to fruition as the Center came to house and support numerous social change activists and groups over the next decade-and-a-half. Nan’s tangible legacy of social change became enshrined in the SJC’s community room, which has borne her name since her death in 2010.

As the Center turns “sweet 16” this year, the social justice community is invited to attend the annual SJC Birthday Party on Thursday, May 19 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Brink Lounge in Madison. The Center’s sixteen years of leadership in grassroots advocacy will be observed by honoring two of the local luminaries who promote social justice causes in our community:

Marj Passman will receive the 2016 Social Justice Legacy Award.

Marj boasts two-and-a-half decades of teaching experience in Madison Public Schools. For her excellence, she was recognized with the Madison Metropolitan School District Distinguished Service Award, the University of Wisconsin Distinguished Teacher of Teachers Award, and won the NBC 15 Crystal Apple Award after being nominated by her students. She parlayed her classroom experience into two terms on the Madison School Board, where she held leadership positions related to planning, diversity, and student achievement.

•   Leland Pan has been awarded the 2016 Social Justice Visionary Award.

Leland was elected to the Dane County Board of Supervisors for District 5 with its largely student population at the age of 19. He went on to serve two terms, demonstrating a passion for social and environmental issues. He decided not to run for a third term, in favor of pursuing graduate studies in social work. A professed community organizer, Leland has also been involved in such local causes as the Student Labor Action Coalition at UW-Madison and Progressive Dane.

The Center is also pleased to welcome back to the event Ruth Conniff, editor of The Progressive Magazine. Ruth will reprise her role as keynote speaker, bringing to bear her trademarks of journalistic analysis, political wit, and her personal flair to this year’s celebration