About Kishi
Kishi Animashaun Ducre
Welcome! I am Kishi Animashaun Ducre, PhD, associate professor of African American Studies with an emphasis on environmental justice, Black feminism, and geography. I am the author of several impactful works, including the book “Place We Call Home: Gender, Race, and Justice in Syracuse,” which examines the environmental risks for Black mothers. I co-edited the book “Addressing Environmental and Food Justice Toward Dismantling the School-to-Prison Pipeline: Poisoning and Imprisoning Youth,” which is one of the first books to connect carceral geographies, food systems, and environmental justice.
I rely on community-based methods like photovoice art exhibitions and community mapping. Through photovoice, community members harness the power of visual storytelling to articulate their environmental realities, while community mapping provides spatial insights into how these realities are shaped and navigated. These exhibitions reflect my commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and fostering dialogue on human rights.
What I Do
I consider myself a storyteller. In my writing and photography exhibitions, I weave together stories of Black women’s resilience in the face of structural violence and environmental injustice. In teaching, I explore the Black experience through African Diaspora Foodways, examining how food production and preparation inform identity and connect communities across geographical boundaries interrupted by transatlantic slave trade and imperialism.
Off-campus, I advocate for environmental and social justice, contributing to media interviews, conferences, and nonprofit boards. Recently appointed by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, I serve on the 400 Years of African American History in New York Commission. This role enables me to collaborate on events that celebrate and preserve the diverse stories of Black experience in New York. Looking ahead, I aim to expand my storytelling to new audiences by offering Black history and cultural immersion tours and online workshops.
Scholar
A PhD in Environmental Justice from the University of Michigan; Former Fulbright scholar; Twelve publications, including two books with over 200+ research citations and grants totaling near $2 million dollars.
Teacher
Accomplished and resourceful educator with 15+ years’ experience designing curriculum, instructional design, and evaluation to students among a diverse set of institutions (community college, international college, public and private 4-years) among various learning environments: in-person, hybrid, and online.
Consultant
Former department chair and associate dean deftly dealing with faculty hiring, strategic planning, budgeting, conflict resolution, student enrollment; Master’s in Public Administration with an emphasis on NonProfit Management; recognized high education leader in diversity, equity, access, and inclusive teaching
History, Accolades and Experience
Scholar activism was born by combatting DC’s homeless crisis and expanded to environmental and social justice as a scholar-
activist. My efforts have been richly rewarded with honors like the Fulbright and recognition from organizations like the Ford and Mellon Foundations, contributing to projects focusing on gender, environmental justice, and Africana Studies.
Kishi’s Journey
Born in DC, my activism journey began with combating homelessness. At Tulane, I fought against racism, sparking my interest in social and environmental issues in Louisiana. Joining Greenpeace during the environmental justice movement fueled my passion. In graduate school and as a Black Studies professor, I continue my pursuit of racial and environmental justice.
Awards and Accolades
National Urban Rural Fellow; Fulbright Fellow, Outstanding Teaching Award; Co- grantee, Foregrounding Gender and Environmental Justice in Pan African Education, Ford Foundation; Co-grantee, Center for Global Indigenous Cultures and Environmental Justice, Mellon Foundation; member, Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration, Commission, New York State Commission on African American History, Syracuse University-LeMoyne College Sustainability Faculty Fellow
Where Kishi Has Helped
Coordinate to defeat a proposed power plant in San Francisco, a proposed uranium enrichment plant in Northern Louisiana, and an immense plastics manufacturing complex in Southeast Louisiana while working for Greenpeace. Reopened gallery hours and public outreach at the Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties; 20+ years of teaching, 13 courses on African American studies, environmental sociology, and Black geographies to more than 1,000 students; Created policy and training toward diversity, equity, and inclusion at the College level
Create a Dialog with Kishi
Start a dialog with Kishi Ducre and learn how you can work together for equality and justice.
