About Us

Focuses on research that stresses imagining a future for Los Angeles and other global metropolitan areas of racial equity and social justice, empowering various communities to come together and work in harmony. This research may explore the past, present, or future of these regions, as well as comparisons across national and continental boundaries.

Works with graduate students and faculty researchers, along with selected undergraduates, on research projects that involve community outreach and lead to both scholarly publication and wider social betterment.

Coordinates with other USC centers, programs and departments to encourage a diverse and excellent pool of faculty and graduate researchers in Los Angeles committed to issues of diversity and democracy in the local area.

Seeks to prepare the next generation of scholarly researchers to participate in an academic life that bridges the university and the community in consistent and fulfilling fashion, for the individual researcher, the university, and the surrounding communities.

Serves as a think tank for community activists and organizations dedicated to social improvement and racial democracy, enabling academic researchers and students to learn from those engaged in doing work on social justice on a daily basis.

Develops on-going relationships with specific local, national, and international organizations, schools, museums, archives, and other entities interested in sustained scholarly engagement and collaboration.