Social Justice Reader Fellowship
Research. Mentorship. Civic Scholarship.
The Social Justice Reader Fellowship encourages African American high school students in the New Haven area to explore questions of race, racial justice, and racism through independent inquiry, critical thinking, and original research. Fellows develop their own research questions, investigate subjects of personal and social significance, and share their findings publicly. The Fellowship provides a paid opportunity for sustained research and mentorship.
The Fellowship originated in 2020 when artist and educator Linda Lindroth conceived the initiative in response to the murder of George Floyd. Lindroth first approached an individual who provided the initial funding, enabling the program to take shape at the Institute Library through community collaboration and support.
The Fellowship exemplifies the Institute Library’s emerging commitment to Civic Scholarship—connecting community-generated ideas with intellectual resources, mentorship, and opportunities to share knowledge publicly.
Social justice Reader Staff
Dr. Freda Grant is the Program Manager for the Social Justice Reader Fellowship. A native of New Haven, Grant holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Ethnic studies as well as a Master’s Degree in Women’s Studies from Southern Connecticut State University. She obtained her Ph.D. in Public Policy and a Postgraduate Certificate in Women’s and Gender studies from Union Institute & University. Her dissertation “Words of Fire: Stories of Gender Entrapment Among Black Women Remanded to Connecticut’s Family Violence Education Program” explores the connection between racism, public policy and the criminalization of Black women who experience intimate partner violence.
Freda is the Director of Institutional Equity Compliance & Support and ADA 504 Coordinator at Sacred Heart University as well as an Adjunct Faculty in Women’s and Gender Studies at Southern Connecticut State University.
Read Lucy Gellman’s Art Paper article about the Fellowship