Engaged Academics as Activist Professionals: Privilege and Humility in Addressing Knowledge Divides

Abstract

This article describes some of the author’s experiences in 18 years of working with diverse community groups around issues of racial disparities in criminal justice. It argues that academics can play important roles in locating and sharing knowledge about community issues, in provoking discussions, in carrying knowledge between groups, and in actively attending to the voices of those who are most oppressed and marginalized. It highlights the value of bringing new knowledge into a discussion and the tensions that arise as people in different positions seek solutions to identified problems. Academics in community groups should be understood as a type of privileged ally who experiences cross pressures like those of other activist professionals. A stance of reflexive humility is recommended.