Avid runner, black belt, professional espresso drinker, sixth president of Roosevelt University. Just call me Ali.
For graduation speaker Mohammad Samra, Commencement is the culmination of a long and difficult journey. He’s spent many late nights churning through homework in his parent’s unfinished basement. He’s worked long hours loading packages for UPS. He’s dealt with loss, self-doubt and the challenges of the pandemic. And on Graduation Day, we get […]
After a year of worldwide protests and a much-awaited trial, Derek Chauvin was found guilty in the murder of George Floyd. Many Americans felt relief to see some semblance of justice. But in the 24 hours after the verdict was announced, police killed at least six more people (Washington Post). How can we work […]
Illinois still has a redlining problem. Decades ago, the government labeled Black neighborhoods as “high risk” for home loans. And we’re still feeling the legacy of this policy today. In 2020, WBEZ and City Bureau found that for every dollar that Chicago lenders invested in mostly white neighborhoods, they only invested 12 cents in mostly […]
Dear Roosevelt Community, This afternoon, a jury found Derek Chauvin guilty of all charges in the murder of George Floyd. For a year now since George Floyd’s killing, millions of activists have joined the calls for justice. It’s a relief, certainly, to see this case end with some semblance of justice. We have witnessed the […]
Illinois school funding was never created equal, but the system remains broken along racial lines today. Last year, African American students at underfunded schools faced an average funding gap of $1,400 more each year than white students at similar schools. Guest host Tom Philion, dean of the College of Education, sits down with Ralph […]
Dear Roosevelt Community, We are one University grounded in the mission of social justice. Unfortunately, we continue to witness more heartbreaking examples of police violence resulting in the loss of life in communities of color around our nation. I continue to support those who peacefully protest and are committed to the systemic change that will […]