Minneapolis, MN — Rod Adams is committed to building economic power for Black and brown communities. Growing up in Chicago, he saw how poverty and crime affected people differently based on their race and these early experiences shaped his awareness of systemic disparities. Now, he is the founder and executive director of the New Justice Project, an organization that focuses on building power for Black Minnesotans through leadership development, political education and access to equitable jobs and housing. As a Bush Fellow, he will earn a bachelor’s degree in public policy at the University of Minnesota, travel to learn from experts in economic development and social innovation, and build more sustainable leadership practices that help him do even more for those he serves.
What has informed your approach to leading change in your community?
While growing up in Chicago, for the first half of my life, I didn’t know I was poor. Everyone around me lived just like we did — paycheck to paycheck and most of the time going without basic essentials. I lived with it because I never knew there was a world where I didn't have to. When I did figure it out, I started asking questions to understand why things were the way they were. That was an early start to my curiosity.
The first time I wanted to lead change were the days following the murder of Mike Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. It was days after, when I was almost shot by police in front of my home for matching the description. That moment, and the subsequent movement that launched because of it, led me to where I am today.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
My mother has always been my biggest inspiration. She struggled with substance abuse, and because of that had multiple battles with the criminal legal system, ultimately spending several years in prison. She never gave up. Led by her faith and hope for her children, she taught my siblings that no battle was too big to fight. She has been, and will always be, my biggest inspiration.
What is your favorite quote or expression?
“Never forget that justice is what love looks like in public,” by Dr. Cornel West. The justice that I believe in rises when people see the best in all. The reason why we will find justice is because we love each other. Everyone might be different on the political spectrum, but we can still make sure we care for each other.
