- Mr. Jim Keady
BEHIND THE SWOOSH INTRODUCTION
Jim Keady (KEE-DEE) is a nationally renowned educator and speaker in the area of social justice. Jim has spoken across the United States and at international venues to thousands of interested audience members. He has been sought out by members of the U.S. Congress, as well as university administrators, religious and union leaders, and student groups to offer his personal and professional experience and critiques on the issues of sweatshops, globalization and social justice.
Jim was a soccer coach with the St. John’s University Red Storm, the Men’s NCAA “Division One” National Champions, when he stood up against Nike and their sweatshops and it cost him his job. Since then, he has made ending sweatshop labor his life mission.
Many people ask the question, “What is it like to live on a sweatshop wage in a developing country?”
Jim Keady found out.
He spent one month in an Indonesian factory workers’ slum living on $1.25 a day, a typical wage paid to Nike’s subcontracted workers.
At this year’s summit he will share his personal stories of living with factory workers and he will provide provocative analysis and clear direction on how we can get involved in the fight to stop sweatshops.
Behind the Swoosh from Jim Keady on Vimeo.
Behind the Swoosh presentation file.
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JIM KEADY – BIO
Jim Keady, theologian, activist, educator, and elected official, is a founding director of Educating for Justice, Inc. Jim has spoken across the United States and at international venues to thousands of interested audience members. He has been sought out by members of the U.S. Congress, as well various university administrators, religious and union leaders and student groups to offer his personal and professional experience and critiques on the issues of sweatshops, globalization and social justice.
Jim holds a masters degree with distinction in theology from St. John’s University (NYC) where he concentrated his studies in social ethics and pastoral theology. Along with studying theology, Jim also coached with St. John’s Men’s Soccer team, at the time, the NCAA Division One National Champions. He was eventually forced to resign from his job because he refused to wear and promote Nike’s products as part of the school’s $3.5 million dollar endorsement deal with the sportswear giant.
Prior to his work with EFJ, Jim taught high school religion for five years at schools in New York and New Jersey. He also played and coached soccer at the youth, high school, college and professional levels. Along with his graduate degree from St. John’s, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from St. Joseph’s University. He has spent time traveling the globe and doing volunteer work in Asia and Europe with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity.
In 2001, the Mario Savio Foundation (CA) recognized and honored Jim’s work for justice, naming him the “Young Activist of the Year.” Along with fellow EFJ Director, Leslie Kretzu, Jim is currently producing/writing/directing a feature length independent documentary film, SWEAT, which will detail the lives of workers producing for Nike in Indonesia.
Jim is also serving his first term as a Councilman in the City of Asbury Park, NJ. Along with his regular Council duties, Jim co-Chairs the Subcommittee on Affordable Housing, the Asbury Works Advisory Board, the Springwood Avenue Redevelopment Advisory Committee, the Subcommittee on Homelessness, the Parking Commission and is a member of the Wesley Lake Commission. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County (NJ) and he serves on the Parish Council at Holy Spirit Church, Asbury Park, NJ.