Summary

During an era of exclusion and housing discrimination, a Black couple welcomed a Chinese immigrant family as renters. Eighty-five years later, that family has publicly honored the couple’s courage and kindness—an act of remembrance that highlights shared struggles and the power of cross-racial solidarity. The story underscores how everyday choices—like opening your door—can ripple across generations.

The Greater Good Science Center (GGSC) at UC Berkeley bridges the gap between scientific research and everyday life, helping people apply the science of compassion, connection, and well-being to build stronger communities and a more empathetic world. Since 2001, GGSC has been a trusted source of research-backed insights on how to live a more connected, resilient, and purpose-driven life—at home, at work, and in society.

Builders is a national movement of Americans from all walks of life who are committed to repairing our civic fabric by building trust, relationships, and common purpose. Whether in small towns or big cities, online or in person, Builders believe that community doesn’t just happen—it’s something we make, together. This nonpartisan initiative brings together people who are willing to act locally and connect across differences to strengthen democracy from the ground up.

OBI University is a free, self-paced learning website created by the Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley. It’s built for anyone who wants to be part of a stronger, more united country—whether you’re a teacher, a parent, a student, or just someone who cares about your community.

Through short, engaging lessons, OBI U gives people the tools to understand how we can treat each other with more respect, work across differences, and make sure no one is left out.

More in Common is a nonprofit organization that publishes research, builds strategies, and works in partnership with leaders and organizations throughout the United States. We help these partners bring Americans together across differences to engage meaningfully in our civil and cultural life. 

In addition to the US, More in Common has teams in France, Germany, Poland, the UK, and most recently Brazil.   

The Othering & Belonging Institute at the University of California, Berkeley advances groundbreaking research, policy, and ideas that examine and remediate the processes of exclusion, marginalization, and structural inequality—what we call othering—in order to build a world based on inclusion, fairness, justice, and care for the earth—what we call belonging.