Community Within: Activism and Community-Based Research as a Way of Life

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

One important way that educational change toward more just systems occurs is through collaboration with community-based organizations, which have always been at the heart of movements for liberation. This community-based work is more than just a way to do research—it requires a deep respect for people, families, and communities and a belief in activism and ceding power as critical to social change. In this session, scholars, community activists, and educators will explore how their work and livelihoods are dedicated to and rooted in community work and advocacy. Panelists will explore how scholarship, advocacy, and work can intersect across the dimensions of community, justice, and liberation. We will focus on how scholars and activists craft their work to be in community and for the continual liberation of all peoples. Particularly, each panelist will highlight how community work, activism, and intentional collaboration are important ways to be true to their core values, and to do work that is impactful, and transformative within and beyond the academy.

Sub Unit

• AERA Presidential Session

Chairs

• Bianca Jontae Baldridge, Harvard University

• David O. Stovall, University of Illinois at Chicago

Presenters

• Cierra Kaler-Jones, Communities for Just Schools Fund

• Naomi Mae W., University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Nikki Barry (McDaid), University of California - Los Angeles

• Aja Reynolds, Wayne State University

• Uriel Serrano, University of California - Irvine

• David C. Turner III, University of California, Los Angeles