Derek Rankins, Tulane University

Derek Rankins, a junior at Tulane University, is a student activist committed to social change.  As a lifelong resident of New Orleans, Derek feels strongly about helping a largely non-resident student population understand the unique issues facing the New Orleans community, so that those students can help the community in a respectful and sustained manner. Through his work as a youth organizer for the People’s Institute for Survival Beyond, Derek has trained other student to combat racism and promote social change city wide.  On campus, Derek organizes events through Students Organizing Against Racism (SOAR.) Derek is active with U.S. Social Forum’s People’s Movement Assembly. For the New Orleans Organizers Roundtable, he unites the efforts of local activists to tackle larger social concerns. Derek is not afraid to address tough issues and challenge conventional wisdom in order to effect change.