This 1 credit course will require attendance at the Sojourner Truth Fellow’s events (which include workshops and presentations) and a 1-3 page written reflection piece. These events include attending (or listening to a recording of) three events and writing a short paper.
Workshop #1: Reckoning with the History of Planning
During this session, we will examine the harmful history of the planning profession. Reckoning with the history of planning is a critical first step towards justice. Much intention went into creating the inequities that exist in the built environment—from Manifest Destiny to racial zoning and urban renewal. We must be just as diligent in restoring justice as those who institutionalized harm. This session will also include practical tools local governments are using to restore justice.
Workshop #2: Restoring Justice Through Participatory Planning
This session will focus on the power imbalances that have influenced how cities are shaped. Historically, planning has centered the needs and voices of the privileged few, which has been to the detriment of entire communities. During this session, we will examine how these power imbalances play out in planning processes. We will also discuss ways to redistribute power and make those processes more equitable, including an innovative public training on city planning.
