Established by gifts raised in a campaign led by members of the Williams Black Alumni Network, this professorship is named after one of America’s most influential poets and scholars, who was born in Washington, D.C. and attended Williams from 1918-1922. Each year, a distinguished visitor is invited to campus for one semester to teach an undergraduate course, to deliver a series of lectures open to the public, to work with students individually, and to contribute to the awareness and growth of the Williams community. The Sterling Brown visiting professors are encouraged to play an active part in campus life.
Kelly Baker Josephs, Visiting Professor of Africana Studies
Academic year 2016-17
Aishah Shahidah Simmons, Visiting Professor of Africana Studies
2nd semester 2015-16
Greg Tate, Visiting Professor of Africana Studies
1st semester 2014-15
Aminatta Forna, Visiting Professor of Africana Studies
1st semester 2013-14
Avery G. Sharpe, Visiting Artist in Residence in Music, Artist Associate in Jazz Bass, Jazz Coach, Faculty Advisor to Gospel Choir at Williams College.
1st semester 2012-13
Aminatta Forna, Visiting Professor of Africana Studies
1st semester 2011-12
Bill Lowe, Visiting Professor of Africana Studies
2nd semester 2010-11
Kimberly Springer, Visiting Professor of Africana Studies
2nd semester 2009-10
Binyavanga Wainaina, Visiting Professor of Africana Studies
1st semester 2008-09
Manning Marable, Visiting Professor of Africana Studies
2nd semester 2007-08
Grant Farred, Visiting Professor of Africana Studies
2nd semester 2006-07
Edmund Taylor Gordon, Visiting Professor of Africana Studies
1st semester 2006-07
Marcellus Blount, Visiting Professor of English
2nd semester 2005-06
Katie G. Cannon, Visiting Professor of Africana Studies
1st semester 2005-06
Kathy A. Perkins, Visiting Professor of Theatre
2nd semester 2004-05
Mary Nell Morgan, Visiting Professor of Africana Studies
1st semester 2004-05
Anthony Pinn, Visiting Professor of Religion
2nd semester 2003-04
Michael Awkward, Visiting Professor of English
1st semester 2000-01
Carrie Mae Weems, Visiting Professor of Art
2nd semester 1999-00
Cornel West, Visiting Lecturer
1st semester 1999-00 (November 17-18, 1999)
James Tinsley, Artist in Residence
1st semester 1999-00 (October 11-22, 1999)
1st semester 1998-99 (October 4-12, 1999)
Joseph Francisco, Visiting Professor of Chemistry
2nd semester 1997-98
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