Speakers - 2026

Biography

Zellie Thomas is a community organizer and educator based in New Jersey, currently serving as a K–8 English and Math teacher and curriculum developer. He organizes against anti-Black state violence with Black Lives Matter Paterson and leads its Harm Reduction Center and Mobile Unit, advancing culturally responsive interventions that prevent overdose, reduce HIV/STI transmission, and confront structural violence impacting Black communities. Zellie is also a co-founder of the Black Liberation Collective, which launched the #StudentBlackOut movement to transform higher education through direct action and political education in the US and Canada.

Research interests

• Harm reduction, health equity, community-based outreach, overdose prevention, HIV and STI prevention intersection