Don C. Sawyer III

My lived experiences as a Black male, father, husband, mentor, educator, and scholar have played a major role in determining my academic and research focus. When I see news footage and statistics about young Black men going to prison, I see myself. When I see young Black boys wandering aimlessly in the streets because schools have failed them, I see myself. When I see stories of young Black men being killed in the streets, I see myself. In all of these instances, I know that I could have been one of them. My research in communities of color is not just about gathering data for the sake of publishing, but rather me using my resources and capital in an attempt to positively impact society through research driven social change. This dedication to a community-centered approach is what guides my research choices.