Professor Curtis Stokes dedicated 36 years of distinguished service to the college, making immense contributions through his scholarship, teaching excellence and leadership.
Stokes was a powerful advocate for curricular transformation in the college, the university and academia more generally, urging greater attention to the importance of Black political thought in the U.S. and globally. His guidance and support of undergraduate students, his pivotal role as Chairperson of the Planning Committee (2002-2005) and then Founding Director of the MSU African American and African Studies Doctoral Program at MSU, and his editorship of the Black American and Diasporic Studies Book Series at Michigan State University Press all speak to the impact of his work. Stokes initiated and organized The Race in 21st Century America Conference Project in 1998, which shaped generations of students and their understanding of the centrality of race and racism to politics and identities in the U.S.
Stokes passed away on Oct. 28, 2024. Read more about his scholarship, teaching excellence and leadership on the JMC website.
Curtis Stokes Endowment for Black Radical Thought
Professor Curtis Stokes retired from James Madison College and MSU after 36 years of scholarship, teaching excellence and leadership. Professor Stokes had a powerful impact on generations of students, colleagues, the JMC community, MSU and beyond. Please help us honor Professor Stokes’ career and advance his legacy by making your most generous contribution to the Curtis Stokes Endowment for Black Radical Thought.