Past Events
Heroes of the Holocaust: Artist Talk and Opening Reception
Thursday, September 18, 2025
Artist Talk: 3:15pm EST in VISER LAB
Opening Reception: 5pm EST in HRI Gallery
Heroes of the Holocaust is a series of fabric assemblage portraits honoring stories of creative resilience during one of the darkest chapters in human history. These works pay tribute to artists who, despite enduring unimaginable hardship, found solace, strength, and voice through their art. After years of research into the lives of artists persecuted during the Holocaust, Lettire came to see their work not only as expressions of survival but as acts of resistance—powerful affirmations of their humanity.
Each portrait is constructed from layered textiles, drawing on the narrative traditions of African American quilting and the collage techniques of Romare Bearden. Lettire applied tiny pieces of fabric to the canvas like strokes of paint—each scrap chosen for its color, tone, and texture—blending together to form an expressionist whole. From a distance, the portraits resemble paintings; up close, they reveal the intricate detail and physical labor that mirror the endurance of the stories they represent.
Through these portraits, Lettire hopes viewers not only remember the individuals portrayed but also see themselves in these stories—and feel moved to resist hatred in all its forms. Let these works serve as both memorial and call to action: to preserve memory, to resist dehumanization, and to advocate for a more just and compassionate world.
The Role of the Federal Judge: The Constitution at Work
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
11:00am - 12:30pm: LHAC Exhibition Hall
In honor of Constitution Day, join us for a conversation featuring Judge Georgette Castner, United States District Judge for the District of New Jersey.
Messages That Mend: Program in recognition of Cougars for Hope Week 2025
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 2:00pm EST in the MSC Atrium
Write a message of support, reflection, or remembrance on an index card, sticky note, or letter. Add it to our Compassion Wall or keep it for yourself.
HRI Gallery Exhibit:
Wigstock by Pierre Dalpé
Opening Reception Event
World Contraception Day:
Free HIV Testing and Contraceptives from Iris House
Screening of Adam Ruins Everything: Sex and Dating
Animal Rights Event
Celebrate animal tights with passionate activist organizations and play with furry friends!
World Mental Health Day
Spin-the-wheel for a prize and have some insight into mental health!
HRI's First Ever Drag Brunch!
Join in on a fabulous time of music, food, and fun with a Q&A surrounding the history of Drag and it's role in society today
United Nations Day
Join us in the MSC Atrium for information and prizes on human rights
Artivism
Paint-and-Sip with non-alcoholic mocktails in honor of activists!
Food Drive
Support of community with non-perishable food and personal hygiene projects for the Cougar Pantry
Ndaba Mandela will also be holding a discussion on Food Security
Catch a Fire: Film Screening
Discussion will follow with Senior Human Rights Fellow, Ndaba Mandela!
Sports for Social Change and Advocacy
Discussion and Drill Sessions with Kean Athletes and local youth with Ndaba Mandela
Human Rights Networking Event
Participate in a Career Expo and Career Panel with Ndaba Mandela, centered around careers aiding in human rights
Human Rights and Social Change: Where Do We Go From Here?
Join the HRI for a open-ended discussion with Ndaba Mandela
Interfaith Voting Event: Reflecting on Post-Election Results
Voting Squad, Interfaith Advisory Council, and the office of DEI, come together to discuss feelings on post-election results
Transgender Vigil
Join the HRI in honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance
Adam Ruins Everything: Series
The HRI will be screening a few episodes of this comical series that tackles some difficult topics
Sobibór Site and Museum Tour
A virtual tour of the former Sobibór camp site as well as museum and memorial
No Day But Today - A Conversation with Scott Fried
Join the HRI in welcoming back Scott Fried, an international award-winning speaker, educator, and advocate for HIV/ AIDS
MLK Day Civics Education Presentation
Join the Human Rights Institute and Diversity Council on Global Education and Citizenship in honoring the legacy of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for a lesson on unity, equity, social justice and the significance of civic participation.
Support this program was funded by a grant from Engage NJ.
Spring '25 Artist Talk and Gallery Reception
Welcome artist Weiling Pan to Kean University for the opening of her exhibit Journey of Growth
LGBTQIA+ Film Festival
Three feature films - MILK, Hurricane Bianca and RENT - depict differing experiences within the LGBTQIA+ community!
I am Gen Z
A screening of the film I am Gen Z to showcase the experiences and impact of technology on the lives of those in Gen Z.
Gen Z Approach to Leadership: Panel Discussion
Current Kean students and Alum have shared their journey with leadership and advocacy!
ASL Youth Symposium
A private event for local high schools that offer ASL as a World Language to bring both students and their skills together to network!
Entrepreneurship Fair
Gen Z Kean students and Alum share their small businesses and local trades with the campus community!
17th Annual Human Rights Conference
Our 17th Annual Human Rights Conference titled, "We are the Future: How Gen Z Is Changing the World" with keynote speakers David Hogg and Tiana Day!
Mental Health Movie Night Break
Join the HRI for a screening of the film Shrek and take a much needed break for 90 mins!
Women's History Month Event
Get a postcard - Give a postcard! Take away some wisdom or insight from older generations of women and share yours alike.
Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV)
In honor of TDOV on March 31, celebrate the resiliency and strength exhibited by the transgender community.
Disability Justice: Neurodivergence
Help the HRI welcome Tim Rohrer, an Educator, Activist and Author for World Autism Awareness Day on April 2.
Teaching about the Nazi's LGBTQ+ Victims
Presentation featuring Dr. Jake Newsome along with representatives from The Pink Triangle Legacies Project on Tuesday, April 8.
Communi-Tea Circle
Join the HRI in a restorative practice that focuses on mindfulness, connection and belonging on Wednesday, April 9.
The Primaries
Join The Voting Squad in a fun approach towards learning about the Primary Elections! Located in the MSC Atrium from 2-5 PM.