Feb. 1, 2023

The killing shows how diversity alone can't end the problem of racist police brutality.

OBI Director john a. powell reacts to last month's killing of Tyre Nichols in this new blog post which examines why the race of the officers had little bearing on the outcome of this deadly confrontation. By overemphasizing diversity rather than structural change and belonging, john argues, we're failing to address the root causes of police violence. He writes:

"Police officers, whatever their color, belong to a system that discriminates by race while incentivizing the over-policing and under-protecting of the Black community. If the police happen to be Black, it actually helps conceal the racist workings of the institution."

You can also see our statement on the killing here.

Related: See OBI Associate Director Denise Herd's piece, titled "Pain of police killings ripples outward to traumatize Black people and communities across US." This piece was originally published in 2020 following the killing of George Floyd, and has been updated and republished in light of this latest tragedy in Memphis.

Also see this Berkeley News Q&A with OBI faculty scholar Nikki Jones, titled, "Tyre Nichols’ killing by police — why is this still happening?"

California adopts OBI's latest opportunity maps

The California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (CTCAC) has reapproved the use of an opportunity map developed by the Othering & Belonging Institute and partners. The adoption of the 2023 Opportunity Map marks the sixth consecutive year that OBI has worked with CTCAC and the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) on the opportunity maps, which guide the siting of affordable housing using a federal tax credit. Read more here.

Pick up some of our stuff!

We have so much cool stuff in our swag store we know you're going to love! Posters, clothing, bags, mugs, and more! Visit our shop here!

Upcoming Events

• Each Monday: Belonging: A Weekly Practice 
• Feb. 9: Theology of Disability: Germany, 1900-1945

In the News

• Director john a. powell was interviewed on the Science of Happiness podcast, produced by the Greater Good Science Center. Have a listen here.

• Faculty scholar Emmanuel Saez is quoted in this CalMatters story, titled, "Would a wealth tax actually drive the rich out of California?"

Work With Us

We currently have the following positions open:

• Development Director

• Student Research Assistant - Network for Transformative Change (open to UC Berkeley undergraduate and Master's students only)

• Student Research Assistant - Equity Metrics (open to UC Berkeley Master's students only)

• Student Research Assistant to Director john powell (open to UC Berkeley Law students only)

• Field Strategy & Research Analyst

• Housing Policy Associate

For all current openings, check out our jobs page.

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