Beyond his role at the Othering & Belonging Institute, John powell is a distinguished Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, holding professorships in Law and in African American Studies and Ethnic Studies. Further underscoring his academic eminence, he holds the Robert D. Haas Chancellor’s Chair in Equity and Inclusion at UC Berkeley. His prior leadership roles include serving as the Executive Director of the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at The Ohio State University, where he also held the Gregory H. Williams Chair in Civil Rights & Civil Liberties at the Moritz College of Law. Under his guidance, the Kirwan Institute rose to national prominence as a leading center for research and scholarship on race, structural racism, and the spatial dimensions of race and opportunity.
John powell has been instrumental in advancing an “opportunity-based” housing model. This innovative framework provides a crucial lens for understanding affordable housing, racialized space, and the intricate ways housing intersects with and influences other critical areas of opportunity such as education, health, healthcare access, and employment prospects.
Professor powell’s scholarly contributions are vast and impactful. He has authored numerous works exploring structural racism, racial justice, regionalism, concentrated poverty, urban sprawl, opportunity-based housing strategies, voting rights, and affirmative action in diverse global contexts including the United States, South Africa, and Brazil. His writings also delve into racial and ethnic identity, the role of spirituality in social justice movements, and the essential needs of citizens within a thriving democratic society. His influential publications include “Racing to Justice: Transforming our Concepts of Self and Other to Build an Inclusive Society,” a seminal work that challenges conventional understandings of identity and difference to foster a more inclusive society.
Earlier in his career, John powell established and directed the Institute on Race and Poverty at the University of Minnesota, further solidifying his commitment to addressing systemic inequalities. He also served as Director of Legal Services in Miami, Florida, and held the significant position of National Legal Director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). During his tenure at the ACLU, he played a key role in developing educational adequacy theory, a legal framework aimed at ensuring equitable educational opportunities for all.
John powell’s extensive experience extends internationally. He has worked and resided in Africa, serving as a consultant to the governments of Mozambique and South Africa during periods of significant transformation. His global engagement also includes living and working in India and undertaking projects in South America and Europe, demonstrating his broad perspective and commitment to social justice on a global scale. He is a co-founder of the Poverty & Race Research Action Council and contributes his expertise to the boards of numerous national organizations dedicated to social change. Throughout his distinguished career, Professor powell has shared his knowledge and insights at esteemed law schools, including Harvard and Columbia University, shaping the next generation of legal and social justice leaders.
