Videos

On June 2, As part of the UC Office of the President's Systemwide Academic Freedom Congress, OBI Director john powell participated in a panel that explored the dynamics between diversity, equity and inclusion-related programs and academic freedom."...

Equity-centered data is the foundation for creating a more inclusive and just society, ensuring that data collection, analysis, and decision-making processes include the needs of historically marginalized groups when setting goals for strong and inclusive communities.

On April 16, Journalist Shereen Marisol Meraji sat down with renowned scholar john a. powell to discuss his new book, The Power of Bridging, which lays out a framework for bringing people together across deep divides. They dove into how “bridging”...

On April 15, john powell and Stephen Menendian sat down with interim Dean of Social Work Susan Stone to discuss their book, Belonging Without Othering at the UC Berkeley School of Social Work. Transcript Susan Stone: As you might know, social work is...

We hosted the second installment of our Arab Women & Feminist Visions for Equity and Belonging webinar series on Tuesday, April 8, with speakers from Saudi Arabia, Somalia, and the Western Sahara sharing their experiences related to the theme of...

Watch the explainer video and enroll in the free course now! Targeted Universalism is a framework that goes beyond inclusion in existing structures that serve only some of us. Instead, it invites everyone to roll up their sleeves and co-create new structures designed to serve all of us.

OBI Director john a. powell and researchers contextualize the current moment our world is experiencing in a 90-minute virtual conversation. They look at what is driving the rise of authoritarianism across the globe, and discuss pathways forward to build a world where everyone belongs and no one is excluded.

Stephen Menendian presented at the California Racial Equity Commission's Framework Development Committee meeting on March 20, 2025. Stephen presented principles for how to develop sustainable racial equity policy and guidance. His presentations...

On March 5 we launched the first of a 3-part webinar series, titled, "Arab Women & Feminist Visions for Equity and Belonging," featuring speakers from Syria, Iraq, Tunisia, and Algeria. This first event in the series was on the theme, "Rights, Equity...

On February 13 we hosted author Dr. Margaret Price to discuss her new book, Crip Spacetime: Access, Failure, and Accountability in Academic Life. In her talk Dr. Price, who is a Professor in the English Department and Director of the Disability...

On January 21, 2025, john powell participated in a Zoom conversation with PICO California about how othering, belonging, and bridging (a practice of belonging) relate to their faith-based community organizing, empowering spiritually-centered people to create systemic change. The audience consisted of over 100 members of PICO's network who support a multiracial, class-solidarity society where all can thrive.

On January 22, 2025, john spoke at the NorthSound ACH 2025 Partner Convening about the importance of bridging to belonging, in times of crisis and in times of collaboration. Bridging is applied in the context of relationships and groups of people...

What strategies, ideas, skills and relationships will build a future economy that ensures the wellbeing of all workers, communities, and ecosystems? How do we move from the pressing needs and harm today to structures that foster wellbeing for all?

On January 19, 2025, john powell participated in a panel at the Oakland Museum of California’s “Community Conversations: Reclaiming Democracy, Building Belonging,” co-hosted by the Othering & Belonging Institute. Addressing an audience of local...