Ep. 120 - Black Researchers Collective ft. Dr. Glenance Green & Shari Runner

BrownTown decolonizes the ivory tower approach to research with Dr. Glenance Green & Shari Runner, Co-Founders of the Black Researchers Collective (BRC). The Chicago-based capacity-building collective takes research to the streets, designing, activating, and mobilizing communities to use research and data to create and sustain change across Chicago communities and beyond. Dr. G and Shari discuss their journeys as researchers, organizers, and leaders from before the 2020 uprisings to now, comparing the two political moments while doubling down on their work in the face of both anti-Black and anti-science rhetoric and policies from the Trump Administration. As the team unpacks the relationship between research and the grassroots, it becomes clear that participatory and solution-based approaches to self-determination hold constant in all avenues of liberation work. After all, "we do this 'til we free us" (Mariame Kaba). Originally recorded June 11, 2025, days after the large scale anti-ICE demonstrations began in Los Angeles.GUESTSDr. Glenance Green (affectionately known as Dr. G) is Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Black Researchers Collective. Recognized by WVON and Ariel Investments in 2024 as one of Chicago’s 40 Gamechangers Under 40, Dr. G is a dynamic scholar, author, and community organizer dedicated to racial equity, Black liberation, and policy reform. A multi-talented leader, she holds a Ph.D. in Policy Studies in Urban Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago, with research focusing on Black women-led organizations leading resistance efforts against oppression through community-driven educational models, which not only advance their organizations' missions but also have potential implications for shaping state and local education policy. Follow her on Instagram and her creative work on her Linktree!Shari Runner is Co-Founder and Director of the Black Researchers Collective. A native Chicagoan whose national reputation has been cemented due to her outspoken voice on inclusion, race, and equity. With more than 40 years of experience in public and private operations and financial management and after a career as an international banker in foreign exchange, Runner used her knowledge of finance and business operations as an entrepreneur.The Black Researchers Collective (BRC) aims to advance racial equity by training and equipping communities with research tools to be more civically engaged and policy-informed through four key pillars: Community Education & Action; Research Evaluation, & Technical Assistance; Grassroots Strategies for Policy Engagement & Advocacy; and Black Researchers Pipeline. Follow BRC on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.Mentioned in the episode:Data 4 Black LivesResearch in the Streets PodcastBlack Researcher AppLA Anti-ICE protest highlights#NoCopAcademy Report--CREDITS: Intro and outro song Hella Black by Tobe Nwigwe. Audio engineered by Kiera Battles. Production assistance by Jamie Price.--Bourbon ’n BrownTownFacebook | Twitter | Instagram | Site | Linktree | PatreonSoapBox Productions and Organizing, 501(c)3Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Site | Linktree | Support