Webinar: Activists and the Academy: Bridging the Divide – Nov 12

Posted by Justice Funders on October 21, 2025

Can we restructure the relationship between the university and social movements so that the two might support each other? In this 90-minute webinar, four scholar-activists will discuss the joys and challenges, dos and don’ts of bridging the gap between activism and academy.

Please join Justice Funders and CES (Center for Engaged Scholarship) on Wednesday, November 12, 1:00-2:30 PM for a webinar, Activists and the Academy: Bridging the Divide.

Panelists:

• Brian Callaci, Chief Economist, Open Markets Institute, where he researches and writes about market structure, antitrust law, and worker power.
• Daanika Gordon, Sociology, Tufts University, where she studies the criminal legal system, policing, and racial inequality
• Silas Grant, American Studies, University of New Mexico, whose work focuses on the impact of oil and gas extraction
• Tiana Wilson Africana Studies. University of Pittsburgh. where she studies Black women’s internationalism, social movements, and solidarity practices.

Moderator: Steve Dubb, NPQ and member, board of Center for Engaged Scholarship

In this webinar, among the topics explored will be the following:

• What are the synergies and the tensions between activism and the academy?
• How can activists negotiate the university and gain the support they need?
• How can scholars build connections with activists and avoid social isolation?
• How can movements find social justice-oriented academics to partner with?
• What can funders do to make this work easier?

Whether you’re a social movement activist, academic, foundation program officer, or engaged in community-based organizing, this webinar will provide you with real-life examples and lessons learned that can inform your work in your own community.

Register here.