At its 20th Anniversary Gala, 20 Years of Impact, on October 13, 2025, in New York City, The Gathering for Justice honored Desiree Perez, CEO and Co-Founder of Roc Nation, with the Harry Belafonte Social Justice Award—a distinction that recognizes individuals whose courage and leadership have advanced the cause of equity and human rights. Desiree’s decades-long commitment to justice, from championing criminal legal reform to empowering communities through Team Roc, embodies the spirit of Belafonte’s legacy. Hosted by Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, the evening also celebrated The Gathering’s president and CEO, Carmen Perez-Jordan, for two decades of movement-building, alongside honorees Danny Glover and Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari. Taking place on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the event underscored The Gathering’s ongoing mission to promote truth, accountability, and justice for all.

Desiree Perez is a trailblazer, entrepreneur, and humanitarian who is resolute in fighting for the rights of others, especially those from marginalized communities and underrepresented populations. She is the CEO and co-founder of Roc Nation, one of the world’s most revered entertainment organizations. In conjunction with Team Roc, the activism and philanthropy division of Roc Nation, Desiree has worked with The Gathering for Justice to amplify advocacy efforts and elevate community-based and large-scale campaigns. A powerful ally to The Gathering, Desiree has lent her expertise, resources, and platform to champion critical reforms in probation and parole laws and raise awareness of the need for transparency, accountability, and racial equity throughout the nation’s judicial system.

 

 

Additionally, Desiree’s contributions to The Gathering’s mission are demonstrated through her participation in grassroots movements, including her role in organizing the 2020 “March for Stolen Lives and Looted Dreams” event in New York City. Alongside her work with The Gathering for Justice, Desiree is involved with other organizations that address criminal justice reform, maintaining board memberships to both the United Justice Coalition and REFORM Alliance. Blending her professional acumen with her philanthropic pursuits, Desiree has executive-produced several investigative documentary series, leveraging her position in the entertainment industry to bring to light stories of injustice, honor victims of systemic inequalities, and educate global audiences.

At Roc Nation, Desiree’s remarkable compassion is evident. She remains dedicated to the company’s goal of promoting diversity and representation, supporting causes that resonate deeply with those around her. Passionate about Roc Nation’s clients, Desiree plays a vital role in helping members of the Roc Nation family grow their own nonprofits, encouraging each individual to make a meaningful impact through their charitable endeavors. Desiree previously received the United Way of New York’s Community Quarterback Award, which was presented to her at the organization’s 29th Annual Gridiron Gala, in recognition of her decades of humanitarian work.

 

ABOUT THE GATHERING FOR JUSTICE

Founded in 2005 by the late Harry Belafonte after he witnessed the handcuffing and arrest of a five-year-old Black girl in a Florida classroom, The Gathering for Justice is a national nonprofit working to end child incarceration and eliminate racial inequities in the justice system. The organization convenes leaders across generations, trains youth organizers in Kingian Nonviolence, advances culture and narrative change, and supports policy centered on care, safety and human rights.