Lori Latrice Sykes is Assistant Professor of African-American Studies at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York. Before joining the faculty at John Jay, Dr. Sykes was an Instructor of Sociology and Associate Director of the Center for Service Learning and Civic Engagement at Hudson Valley Community College. She has taught courses in sociology at the College of Saint Rose, and the State University of New York at Albany. She was employed by the Office of Urban Initiatives, Center for Assistive Technology at the State University of New York at Buffalo, the Council of Community Services of New York State, and the New York State Assembly. Dr. Sykes research interests include race and ethnicity, wealth inequality, demography and community development. She continues to provide support to community based organizations interested in addressing critical social problems. Dr. Sykes hosts conferences on community development and grant writing.