The Social Justice Fund and Brooklyn Org on Monday announced the winners of the third annual Just Brooklyn Prize, honoring five local leaders driving meaningful change across the borough. Each recipient will receive an unrestricted $20,000 grant in recognition of their efforts to build power and strengthen Brooklyn communities.
This year’s honorees represent work spanning community safety, arts and culture, education and youth mentorship. They were celebrated during a free public ceremony at Barclays Center on Friday, featuring a keynote from actor Jamie Hector.
“We started the Just Brooklyn Prize as a collective "thank you" to honor community leaders. We hope that our support allows them to breathe easier while they continue to do their great work,” said Clara Wu Tsai, founder of the Social Justice Fund and owner of the Brooklyn Nets, New York Liberty and Barclays Center. "I’m inspired by their efforts to expand access to the arts, increase mentorship opportunities, and address community safety issues. Their work makes Brooklyn a better home to us all.”
2025 Just Brooklyn Prize recipients:
- Shneaqua Purvis, founder of Both Sides of the Violence, leads community-based healing and mentorship programs to support both victims and perpetrators of gun violence.
- Olaronke Akinmowo, founder of the Free Black Women’s Library, creates a free community-centered social art project and literary hub dedicated to Black women/writers.
- Crystal Clarity, founder of Medicine Walls, utilizes the arts as a tool for social activism.
- Cathie Wright-Lewis, founder and executive director of the Power in the Pen, organizes weekly writing workshops that mentor underserved writers.
- Derrick Nkosi Cain, founder of Touchdown NYC, mentors justice-impacted citizens in navigating their reentry to society.
“These five fantastic leaders embody the spirit of relentless dedication to change that is the lifeblood of Brooklyn's communities and we are thrilled to celebrate their contributions and elevate their example," said Brooklyn Org President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Jocelynne Rainey.
