Joyous Justice

A Kohenet April Nichole Baskin Venture

CLICK HERE FOR APRIL'S Press kit - Bio, Photos, ETC.

“April Baskin simply works miracles… Her leadership and the education she provides to individuals and organizations will change the world.” —Rabbi Becky Jaye

Credit: Temple Beth Am, Seattle

April leading a talk in the sanctuary Temple Beth Am’s Scholar in Residence weekend, circa 2018.

March to End Racism, 2018

Thanks Repair the World and JMN!

1000 Ministers March with Rev Sharpton, Rabbi Pesner // Credit: RAC

Credit: Temple Beth Am, Seattle

March for Racial Justice, 2017

with Michael Douglas, Danny Meyer & Rabbi Jacobs // Credit: URJ

Credit: East End Temple, NYC

Talking Love & Accountability, Nitzavim Campaign in NC with Rev. Barber // Credit: RAC

JFREJ Meyer Awards, 2016

Credit: Temple Beth Am, Seattle

At URJ Kutz Camp with Colleagues

Speaking at the March for Racial Justice - Credit: Mirah Curzer

with Fellow Jewish WM 2019 Steering Committee Members: Yavilah McCoy & Abby Stein

Jews for Black Lives, Chanukah Action 2015 // Credit: Jordyn Rozensky

Jewish Women of Color Marching - Women's March 2019 - Washington, DC

1000 Ministers March - Reform Movement Leadership Contingent // Credit: RAC

Selected Awards and Honors

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April’s Professional Bio

Kohenet April N. Baskin, she/her, is a multi-award-winning Black, Cherokee, and Jewish leader, with over 20 years of expertise in multi-dimensional social and racial justice leadership. As an ordained Earth-based Jewish priestess (Kohenet), founding director of Joyous Justice, and host of the Joyous Justice podcast, April continues to consistently shift institutions and communities toward more equitable, visionary outcomes through her trauma-informed, intersectional, and interculturally-informed work.

April's distinguished career includes significant roles such as a DEI+ Vice President of the Union for Reform Judaism ($60 million dollar national non-profit, representing 20 summer camps, 900 congregations, and 2 million members) and the inaugural Racial Justice Director at the Jewish Social Justice Roundtable, which supports 70+ social justice organizations. April has initiated and/or advanced the DEI+ initiatives of more than 300 organizations and launched transformative equity-focused executive and mentorship programs that have significantly accelerated and advanced the careers and leadership trajectories of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC professionals. Most recently, April joined the newly-established Disability Culture Lab as its DEI+ Senior Advisor.

April graduated from Tufts University and did graduate-level research at the Kennedy School of Government. Additionally, her 10+ years as an international, counter-oppressive trauma peer counselor affirm her commitment to trauma-informed healing and leadership. A lover of dogs, dance, and nourishing, delicious food, April shares her life and laughter with her Senegalese Muslim beloved, Assane.