In this episode, Alexis Weatherspoon, a 2022 John Smart Summer Scholar intern, spoke with Ajamu Webster, a professional engineer and president of Du Bois Consultants. Ajamu started his own structural and civil engineering firm in 1988, and has volunteered countless hours to serve Black students and the Black community through his firm. With the majority of civic professionalism research focusing on education professionals shaping the community, there has been an argument that “professionalism” is inaccessible to other communities, thus giving them less agency to solve systemic injustices. What happens when professionals within the community take on the responsibility to promote civic engagement and create a “third space” that allows for unlearning, critical consciousness, and exposure to different career outcomes? Ajamu shares his personal and professional experiences while starting his career as an engineer.

Episode 39: "It Takes A Village: Civic Professionalism in the 816" with Ajamu Webster

In this episode of the Varying Viewpoints podcast series, guest host and Visiting Scholar Bianca Neal invited Raphael Travis, professor and the MSW Program Director at Texas State University in the School of Social Work, to talk about his research and practice in social work and public health for social minority communities. His work is rooted in bringing Hip Hop culture into academia. Raphael dives into the impact of Hip Hop on personal development and self expression. He also emphasizes the significance of Hip Hop education in improving juvenile justice. Shedding light on higher education, his CREATE Lab at Texas State brings opportunities for professional collaboration and creative engagement with music.

Episode 50: "How Hip Hop Empowers Civic Development in Higher Education" with Raphael Travis

The Samuel DeWitt Proctor Institute for Leadership, Equity, and Justice is proud to present the “Varying Viewpoints” podcast. Our podcast series highlights recent and relevant work of emerging and established scholars and provides an engaging way to share innovative scholarship that focuses on diversifying leadership, enhancing equity, and fostering justice in higher education.

Episode 50: "How Hip Hop Empowers Civic Development in Higher Education" with Raphael Travis

Samuel DeWitt Proctor Institute

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