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Three SEAS student projects awarded Anti-Racism Graduate Research Grants
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Three University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) student project groups are among the 21 recipients of the summer 2023 Anti-Racism Research Grants awarded by the Anti-Racism Collaborative. The grant initiative aims to support research projects that are focused on racial inequality, equity and justice. The program also provides ongoing professional development and support to grantees.
The Anti-Racism Collaborative is administered by the National Center for Institutional Diversity, and the grant initiative is co-sponsored by the Rackham Graduate School and the Center for Racial Justice in the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. This year's awards total more than $100,000.
The three SEAS projects that were awarded grants are:
Community Ownership of Molokai Ranch in Hawaii: Implementing Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) for an Indigenous Landback Initiative
Sierra Mathias, Emma Fagan, and Catherine Mae Seguin (MS Students in Environment & Sustainability); Jack Baylis (MS Student in Geospatial Data Science); Satara Fountain (MS Student in Environmental Justice and Ecosystem Management and Conservation); and Georgina Johnston (MS Student in Environmental Justice)
Moloka'i, HI is considered the “most Hawaiian” island due to its activist history and predominantly Indigenous population. Moloka'i Ranch comprises 30% of the island and has been historically used for unethical development, but Sust’āinable Moloka'i and the Moloka'i community are organizing to buy back the $260 million ranch. Through a series of Delphi studies, we aim to document the unbroken tradition of human rights on Moloka'i, the public health benefits of Indigenous ownership, and map the activist history of the island through social research methods that support the Land Back movement and rematriation of Moloka'i.
Developing and Designing the ‘Umeke ‘Ai Center: An Indigenous Sust’āinability and Resiliency Hub
Taylor Kaili McKenzie (MS Student in Environmental Justice and Geospatial Data Sciences)
My research addresses the historic influence of racism and colonialism on the Hawaiian islands by supporting a Native Hawaiian land sovereignty organization on the island of Molokai. A systemic lack of funding has created tremendous inequities on the islands that primarily hurts Indigenous peoples and communities with a history of forced migration and labor, creating disparities in access to food, health, and housing. To address these needs where colonial structures have not, nonprofit organizations led by Native Hawaiians have organized food banks, education initiatives, and agriculture initiatives. My research will support one such organization’s work by planning a Resiliency Hub, providing further community-based resources.
Remediation and Reparation: Dallas Black Clergy for Safety, Equity, and Justice
Naajia Shakir (MS Student in Environmental Justice); Tyler LaBerge, Latia Leonard, Danielle Moore, and Tre’Nard Morgan (MS Students in Environment & Sustainability)
This project seeks to address and undo the harm caused by a historical legacy of extraction and environmental racism in Dallas, TX, alongside our partner organization, Faith in Texas. Decades of disinvestment in Black and low-income neighborhoods in the region has led to second class citizen treatment in the social, political, and healthcare fields. Through conducting Community-Based Participatory Research, our goal is to clarify the urgent environmental needs of marginalized residents within the Dallas community. This research will be used to craft community-based, people-led interventions leading to long-term life-affirming impact on quality of life and future generations.
Read the full announcement to learn more about the program and to see details about all 21 award recipients.