Audra Burwell, Communications Assistant
June 11, 2024
Central Valley native, Dana Grisby, has been selected as one of the Kremen School of Education and Human Development Equity Scholars for the 2023 – 2024 academic year. Her dedication to social justice, community involvement, and representing diversity has been recognized through this prestigious award.
Grisby, a doctoral student in the Educational Leadership Program at Fresno State, has a rich academic and professional background. She received her M.A. in African American Studies from UCLA and her B.A. in Journalism from Howard University. Currently, she serves as a full-time tenured professor of African American Studies at Laney College in Oakland, CA.
Having served in the U.S. Peace Corps twice, in both Botswana and Guyana, Grisby brings a unique perspective to her teaching. Her intersectional approach to education centers on social justice and community involvement. Grisby challenges her students to think critically about overlapping identities of race, sexuality, class, gender, and social status, encouraging them to work towards dismantling systems of oppression.
As a Kremen School of Education and Human Development Equity Scholar, Grisby will receive academic support of up to $7000 for the academic year 2023 – 2024. Her project will be presented in April 2024 before an audience of faculty and the community.
Grisby’s commitment to social justice is reflected in her work both inside and outside the classroom. She has collaborated with numerous community organizations to bring social justice awareness into her teaching. Notable collaborations include:
– Working with the Bay Area chapter of the Black Alliance for Just Immigration, hosting a dialogue series to support the college’s growing African student population.
– Partnering with Brotherhood 510 to host film screenings and discussions, advocating for the visibility and support of Black trans-masculine individuals.
– Collaborating with Outdoor Afro to host book talks and community discussions about reconnecting Black communities with nature and the great outdoors.
Grisby’s teaching philosophy is rooted in prioritizing the experiences of people from marginalized communities. She inspires her students to learn using a global lens, centering Black experiences throughout the African diaspora.
Equity Scholar Research Project
Grisby’s research aims to explore the effectiveness of intersectional pedagogies in promoting social justice and inclusivity in educational settings by investigating the role of community engagement in enhancing students’ understanding of social justice issues and fostering a sense of civic responsibility.
Grisby will assess the impact of an inclusive curriculum on students from marginalized communities, with a focus on identity development, empowerment, and academic achievement. She will examine the effectiveness of teacher training and professional development programs in promoting intersectional approaches to education and fostering inclusive classroom environments.
Kremen School News 