Jean-Luc Pierite

Jean-Luc Pierite is a prominent figure in the field of urban studies and planning, currently serving as the MLK Visiting Scholar for the 2023-2024 academic year at the Department of Urban Studies and Planning (DUSP) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He is a member of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana and has a strong background in community activism and language revitalization.

Education and Career

Jean-Luc holds a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities with a co-major in Mass Communication and Japanese from Dillard University, as well as an Associate of Science in Video Game Design from Full Sail University. He is currently the International Procurement and Logistics Manager for The Fab Foundation, an organization that supports the global fab lab network and promotes community-based fabrication and innovation initiatives.12

Community Engagement

In addition to his professional roles, Jean-Luc is actively involved in Indigenous community efforts. He serves as the President of the Board for the North American Indian Center of Boston and has previously participated in the Advisory Circle for CoLang, focusing on language documentation and revitalization. His work is deeply rooted in the traditions of his ancestors, particularly through his involvement in his Tribe's Language and Culture Revitalization Program, which collaborates with Tulane University.1

Jean-Luc's contributions extend beyond academia; he is a vocal advocate for Indigenous rights and has engaged in discussions about the historical erasure of Indigenous peoples in urban planning contexts.2 His expertise in both logistics and community engagement positions him as a significant voice in discussions surrounding urban studies, particularly as they relate to Indigenous communities.