Three scholars are joining the Department of African American Studies this fall, significantly expanding the department’s course offerings and research initiatives.
"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Johnson, Dr. Gray and Dr. Horne to our department," said Tara T. Green, department chair. "They bring invaluable expertise spanning theology, philosophy, critical theory and historical scholarship that will enrich our students' education and strengthen our commitment to examining Black experiences through multiple disciplinary lenses."
Moores Professor Gerald Horne joins department
Prolific historian Gerald Horne will have a joint appointment in the African American Studies and History departments starting the fall. The John J. and Rebecca Moores Chair of History and African American Studies, Horne brings an extraordinary record of scholarly productivity and international recognition.
A prolific author of dozens of books, Horne's scholarship spans a range of topics including Hollywood, jazz, boxing, African liberation movements and revolutionary histories across the Americas. His notable works include "The Capital of Slavery: Washington, D.C., 1800-1865," and his forthcoming 2026 book "The Counter-Revolution of 1893," which completes a trilogy alongside "The Counter-Revolution of 1776" and "1836." Many of his works have been translated internationally, demonstrating the global impact of his research.
Dr. Horne's distinguished career has earned him numerous prestigious honors, including
the 2023 Frantz Fanon Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2021 American Book Award for
"The Dawning of the Apocalypse," and lifetime achievement awards from both Black Studies
and African American history associations. He was inducted into the Texas Institute
of Letters in 2024 and also received the Hope Stevens Award for his legal work, highlighting
his interdisciplinary expertise.
Biko Gray joins as an associate professor
Associate professor Biko Gray’s scholarship centers on philosophy of religion, ethics and the critical examination of Black life and death. His interdisciplinary approach connects Black life, philosophy of religion and political theology in groundbreaking ways.
Gray also brings an impressive publication record to the department, including two
books: "Black Life Matter" and "Phenomenology of Black Spirit,” which was co-authored
with Ryan Johnson in 2022. He also co-edited "Religion of White Rage" alongside Stephen
Finley and Lori Latrice Martin. His extensive portfolio includes numerous articles
and book chapters exploring ethics, political theology and architecture through the
frameworks of Black critical theory and philosophy of religion.
Alexander E.M. Johnson joins as a visiting scholar
Alexander E.M. Johnson joins the department as a visiting scholar, bringing his expertise as a practical theologian to the academic community. Johnson serves as executive pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and returns to the department where he previously taught as an adjunct professor, offering courses including "The Black Church in America" and "Black Liberation Theology."
Johnson's scholarly work focuses on the intersection of liberation traditions and institutional challenges within the Black Church. His dissertation, "Liberated by Love: Deconstructing Heteropatriarchy in the Black Church," examines these complex dynamics through the lens of Jesus's radical love ethic, offering fresh perspectives on theology and social justice.
Both appointments reflect the department's ongoing commitment to recruiting scholars who advance critical conversations about African American experiences, culture and intellectual traditions. The new faculty members will begin their positions this semester and are expected to contribute significantly to both undergraduate and graduate programs in African American Studies.
The three appointments reflect department's ongoing commitment to recruit scholars who advance critical conversations about African American experiences, culture and intellectual traditions and to prepare students for professional careers. The faculty members will begin their positions Sept. 1.