Acclaimed Actor Derek Luke Returns Home for Exclusive Appearance at Hudson County Community College’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, Fifty and Forward!

September 8, 2025

Renowned actor Derek Luke

Renowned actor Derek Luke will help ring in Hudson County Community College’s 50th Anniversary Kickoff Celebration with a special appearance at the September 9th kickoff event.

You’ve seen him in Antwone Fisher, Glory Road, and Captain America: The First Avenger—now, come see Derek Luke at HCCC’s 50th Anniversary Kick Off Celebration!


September 8, 2025, Jersey City, NJ – As Hudson County Community College (HCCC) launches its milestone yearlong 50th-anniversary celebration with a kick off party on Tuesday, September 9, attendees will enjoy the opportunity to meet acclaimed actor and Jersey City native Derek Luke.

A distinguished actor whose breakout role as the title character in Antwone Fisher earned him the Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead, Derek Luke, who attended nearby Henry Snyder High School, also inspired audiences by portraying Bobby Joe Hill in Glory Road, and played Gabe Jones in Captain America: The First Avenger.

Attendees are invited to join in a memorable encounter with Luke, a local star who has graced the screen with powerful performances and inspiring authenticity. HCCC Trustee Emeritus Bakari G. Lee, Esq. will moderate a 4:00 fireside chat, “From Jersey City to the World,” at HCCC’s Gabert Library.

The free event is open to HCCC students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the entire community. Additional Program Highlights on Tuesday, September 9:

  • The celebration begins at 2:00 PM with pre-event photos and giveaways at the Gabert Library, followed by a formal program at 2:30 PM featuring remarks from HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber, Hudson County Executive Craig Guy, and other esteemed voices, plus the unveiling of a special ceremonial time capsule.
  • From 3:00 to 5:30 PM, the Library, Student Center, and Culinary Park will host an array of other fun events for the whole family, including interactive games, signature wall and photo stations, music, refreshments, and much more.
  • Then, the festivities culminate at Culinary Park with a Dance Party & Champagne Toast (5:00–7:00 PM), featuring DJ Prince Hakim, a special video message from Jersey City’s own Robert “Kool” Bell, founding member of Kool & the Gang, and a celebratory raffle for signed bottles of Le Kool Champagne.

HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber states, “We are honored to welcome Derek Luke back to Jersey City and to our Journal Square campus for this historic celebration. His remarkable career and deep Jersey City roots make him a symbol of achievement and purpose, perfectly reflecting the journey and aspirations of our College community.”

Click here to learn more about HCCC’s yearlong “Fifty and Forward!” celebration!

Click here to register for the kickoff celebration and other 50th anniversary events!