John A. Powell

John A. Powell (written in lowercase at the speaker's request) is teacher and activist recognized in civil rights and liberties, structural racism, housing, poverty and democracy. He is currently the director of the Institute of Otherness and Belonging at the University of California, at Berkeley, where he also teaches Law and African American Studies.

Powell is known for his theory of Otherness, which describes the process of marginalization of social groups. He argues that this phenomenon is one of the main causes of structural racism and social inequality, and that to overcome this it is essential to create a shared belonging where everyone feels included and valued.

Powell believes that a just society can only exist when people of all races, ethnicities, and social backgrounds feel accepted and included in the community. This concept of belonging is not only about social inclusion, but also about the need for respect and celebrate differences.

In addition to his academic work, he has worked as an international consultant, collaborating with governments around the world and global organizations. His best-known work, Racing to Justice, explores how to transform conceptions of identity and the other to create a more inclusive society.

Featured works

Racing to Justice: Transforming Our Conceptions of Self and Other to Build an Inclusive Society. One of his best-known books, where Powell develops a profound critique of the usual concepts of race, identity and injustice and proposes ways to build more inclusive communities.

Belonging without Othering: How We Save Ourselves and the World (co-authored with Stephen Menendian). Recent and widely cited publication that articulates the concept of belonging (belonging) as an active alternative to exclusion (othering).

The Power of Bridging: How To Build a World Where We All Belong. A work where Powell applies his theoretical frameworks to the practice of building bridges between social and ideological differences.