James Crawford

James Crawford is a former foster youth originally from Chicago and raised in a small city near East L.A./South Pasadena in the San Gabriel Valley of Southern California. He is in the education studies doctoral program at UC San Diego where he pursues research involving Black critical theory and community-based education spaces that utilize culturally responsive pedagogies and curricula to advance Black liberation, and mitigate the impacts of systemic anti-Blackness by cultivating individual and collective healing and empowerment. James is also the Instructor for the Partnership Schools Program and he serves as the community liaison for the Black Graduate Experience Living & Learning Community. Beyond his academic pursuits, James has a passion for dancing, fitness, and collaborating on multimedia projects.