A team of University of New Orleans graduate students, faculty and alumni, working in partnership with Louisiana-based nonprofits, published the book "Social Justice Nonprofits in the U.S. South: Cases for Study and Practice" with Kendall Hunt Publishing. The book features six teaching cases and accompanying instructor guides that highlight the strengths and challenges of nonprofits pursuing social justice missions in the American South. 

Three students in UNO’s Ph.D. in Justice Studies program--Emily Faye Ratner, Monique Nolan Legendre and Amanda Mester--authored chapters as part of independent study coursework. Kim Kay James, a current student in UNO's Master of Public Administration program, and Stephanie Riegel, an alumna of the UNO MPA program, also authored chapters. Emily Faye Ratner served as the book’s co-editor, along with Steve Mumford, associate professor of political science, who conceived of the book. 

The students co-authored chapters with representatives of nonprofit partners, including the Harry Tompson Center, VOTE, Youth Empowerment Project (YEP), Verite News, Louisiana Bucket Brigade and the Greater New Orleans Foundation. 

“I could not be prouder of the team we put together to produce this book over two years," Mumford said. "It’s a testament to UNO’s commitment to uplifting the excellent work being done by nonprofits in our community, which deserves national recognition.”

The book will serve as a higher education course textbook and a resource for professional development workshops and book clubs in the nonprofit sector. All of the book’s royalties are dedicated to support students in UNO’s Ph.D. in Justice Studies. More information about the book can be found here.