LISC Jacksonville Intern and Ph.D. Candidate Supports Heirs’ Property Work

This summer, LISC Jacksonville had the opportunity to provide an internship experience to an accomplished Ph.D. candidate from the University of Florida that supported the organization’s work in the area of heirs’ property.

Belay Alem, who is currently working on his dissertation in Anthropology, has focused his Ph.D. research in the subfields of urban anthropology, anthropology of law, and property. Before embarking on his Ph.D., he obtained his LL.B in Law (Bachelor of Laws, which the United States refers to as Juris Doctor) and LL.M in Business and Corporate Law from Bahir Dar University in Ethiopia. He also served as a law lecturer at the same institution, progressing to hold key academic leadership roles.

Belay’s current Ph.D. project focuses on the intricate interplay between social, political, economic, and legal forces contributing to the loss of heirs’ property and wealth within African American communities in Alachua County. Belay has expressed and demonstrated his deep interest in community engagement, research, and outreach to understand social relations at the grassroots level.

As the community development intern, Belay focused on conducting in-depth research under the guidance of Kristopher Smith, LISC Jacksonville’s community development program officer. His research pursuits encompassed a wide array of topics aligned with the organization’s community development priorities, all aimed at refining and amplifying LISC Jacksonville’s interventions within the community.

Belay was also able to review 85 heirs’ property programs across the United States with the main goal of deriving best practices to support LISC initiatives. Using his anthropological lens, Belay shared, “LISC’s multifaceted, comprehensive programs related to heirs’ property assistance and preservation stand out among other programs I have seen. What makes LISC Jacksonville unique and interesting is its holistic approach, which encompasses both the legal aspects and the often-overlooked cultural dimensions of heirs’ property.”

Belay’s reflections on his internship experience are filled with appreciation for the opportunity to collaborate with seasoned community development professionals. He remarks, “The weekly meetings with Kristopher were not just informative but also comforting. The guidance I received was invaluable and something I deeply cherish.” He is also grateful for his academic advisor who endorsed the internship and provided continued support throughout the internship.

Looking ahead, Belay is enthusiastic about taking the knowledge, skills, and experiences acquired during his internship into the fabric of his future academic and professional endeavors. “My journey with LISC Jacksonville has been quite enriching,” Belay said. “I am excited to apply these lessons to my upcoming academic and career pursuits.”

Belay remains committed to nurturing ties with LISC Jacksonville and the networks he has established. “I envision a future of continued collaboration, where our collective efforts contribute to impactful research and community advancement,” he said while reflecting upon the enduring significance of his internship experience with LISC Jacksonville.

Learn more about LISC Jacksonville’s heirs’ property work here.