URSA Award Supports John Austin DeLozier's Archival Research on Liberation Theology and Haiti's 1980s Pro-Democracy Movement

John Austin has engaged with various archival materials in Haitian Creole, French, and Spanish to better understand the Haitian pro-democracy movement’s relationship to Catholic social teaching. The URSA award supported his travel to New York, Florida, and College Station, TX.

John Austin’s research highlights how Haitian Christians in the 1980s used their faith to support democracy and help the poor. He focuses on "liberation theology," which is about putting beliefs into action to fight for justice and support those in need. His work shows how these Christians practiced their faith by actively working towards a fairer society.

John Austin credits faculty relationships, especially his thesis mentor Dr. Ronald Johnson and his sociology professor Dr. Chris Pieper, as the most important aspects in getting involved in humanities research. He is also grateful for his community of student scholars fostered by Eta Sigma Phi, a Classics honors society. John Austin’s advise to students is "Embrace your undergraduate years as a unique opportunity to explore your passions unapologetically."