Professor Amna Akbar named 2021 Freedom Scholar

Today, Marguerite Casey Foundation (MCF) and Group Health Foundation (GHF) announced the recipients of the $1.5 million Freedom Scholars Awards for 2021, which will support six leading thinkers and scholars whose work can help transform our economy and our society for the better.

Professor Amna Akbar is one of six ground-breaking research scholars who will receive $250,000 to advance their work in service of justice, freedom and social change. The Freedom Scholars are leading research in critical fields including abolitionist, Black, feminist, queer, radical, and anti-colonialist studies. The annual award, established in 2020, counters the limited financial resources and research constraints frequently faced by scholars whose work supports social movements. Past Freedom Scholars have utilized their award in a variety of ways –  from writing books and articles, to resourcing organizations at the frontline of movement work, to creating a fellowship for young activists to convene and ideate on what movements are fighting for. Learn more about the Freedom Scholars’ work at: www.caseygrants.org/freedom-scholars 

About Marguerite Casey Foundation

Marguerite Casey Foundation supports leaders, scholars and initiatives focused on shifting the balance of power in society — building power for communities that continue to be excluded from shaping how society works and from sharing in its rewards and freedoms. For more information, please visit www.caseygrants.org. Connect with Marguerite Casey Foundation on Twitter and Facebook.

About Group Health Foundation

Group Health Foundation shapes and accelerates efforts to improve health equity and advance community aspirations for a vibrant, healthy future in Washington. For more information, please visit www.grouphealthfoundation.org.

Watch the video to learn more about Professor Amna Akbar, one of six 2021 Freedom Scholars.