John A. Powell, Ph.D., is an internationally recognized expert in the areas of civil rights and civil liberties and wide range of issues including race, structural racism, ethnicity, housing, poverty, and democracy. In addition to being a Professor of Law and Professor of African American Studies and Ethnic Studies, Professor Powell holds the Robert D. Haas Chancellor’s Chair in Equity and Inclusion. He is also the Executive Director of the Haas Institute for a Fair and Inclusive Society, which supports research to generate specific prescriptions for changes in policy and practice that address disparities related to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and socioeconomics in California.
Professor Powell has written extensively on a number of issues including structural racism, racial justice and regionalism, concentrated poverty and urban sprawl, opportunity based housing, voting rights, affirmative action, racial and ethnic identity, spirituality and social justice, and the needs of citizens in a democratic society.
Dr. Powell will provide a provocative discussion as to how greater Grand Rapids and Kent County can build a more vibrant and economically sustainable community by expanding opportunity and growth strategies that include all citizens.
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