All Resources

This keynote presentation by OBI director john a. powell on Nov. 9, 2021 focused on how creating transformational bridges and rebalancing power dynamics can foster belonging in our society. Specifically, it explored the role of philanthropic...

On Nov. 5 Georgetown law professor Sheryll Cashin presented her new book, titled, White Space, Black Hood: Opportunity Hoarding and Segregation in the Age of Inequality, at UC Berkeley, in the first in-person event organized by the O&B Institute in...

At a time when LGBTQ rights are advancing, why are attacks against trans, queer and/or gender-nonconforming people of color increasing?

In this episode we speak with Frances Lucerna. Frances is the founding principal of El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice. El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice is a public school located in the Southside community of Williamsburg in Brooklyn...

The introduction of the Justice for Black Farmers Act of 2020 and the Emergency Relief for Farmers of Color Act of 2021 was the first time many Americans learned about the historical and ongoing discrimination against farmers of African descent by...

In this episode we interview two of the founding members of The Wind & The Warrior, Ife Afriye Kilimanjaro and Nana Korantema. In 2020, The Wind & The Warrior led a Sacred Waters Pilgrimage to connect Black and Native culture-bearers and advocacy...

On October 22, 2021, OBI Director john. a. powell joined ACLU-WA Executive Director Michele Storms in a conversation centered around the themes and concepts of othering & belonging and how the ACLU can use them as a blueprint in order to continue...

"When I took my shahada," said Curtis Toler, "my past sins were erased and I could start a new life." Curtis had spent many years as a high-ranking gang leader in Chicago, and he had hurt many people. But he had reached what author Amanda Ripley...

Introduction California’s convoluted system for raising revenue is not transparent, and confusing to the general public. Unless they closely follow wonky budgeting and legislative news, most people typically don’t learn about upcoming revenue...

On October 20th, Director john a. powell presented the work of the Othering & Belonging Institute to WRLD CTY - The Global Forum for Urban Innovation on the importance and role of belonging in community health and well-being. powell used this...

In this episode we interview Byb Bibene. Byb is a professional performer, choreographer, dance artist, director and dance educator originally from the Republic of Congo. Currently he lives in the Bay Area in California. Byb has participated in the...

Throughout the O&B 2021 conference we discussed the urgency of bridging across lines of difference, including across ideological lines, which can sometimes be the most difficult bridge to cross for those of us working towards belonging. In this...

In this episode we hear from Gerald Lenoir and Nunu Kidane about their work on bridging African American and African immigrant communities through dialogues. Gerald is OBI’s identity and politics strategy analyst and was the founding executive...

Recent acute instances of failed political leadership—particularly around the pandemic and an ongoing lack of action to protect Black lives—have shone a bright light on questions essential to our future as a country: Who are we? Who are we becoming? Who must we become if we are to create a different world where everyone belongs?

On October 12, Assistant Director Stephen Menendian presented to the California Reparations Task Force on the history and contemporary legacy of housing discrimination and segregation in terms of life outcomes, homeownership disparities and the...