Barbara Ransby

BarbaraRansby

Barbara Ransby is a historian, writer, and longtime political activist. She is a distinguished professor of African American studies, gender and women’s studies, and history at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she directs the campus-wide Social Justice Initiative.

Chicago’s Rich Organizing Tradition Paid Off, Delivering Victory for Brandon Johnson

Chicago’s Rich Organizing Tradition Paid Off, Delivering Victory for Brandon Johnson Chicago’s Rich Organizing Tradition Paid Off, Delivering Victory for Brandon Johnson

The Windy City's first movement mayor faces a formidable array of challenges, testing him and the coalition that brought him into office.

Apr 13, 2023 / Barbara Ransby

How Biden Can Support Black America

How Biden Can Support Black America How Biden Can Support Black America

We should fill the streets to remind him that the millions who elected him expect to see policies that will improve our lives.

Jan 4, 2021 / Feature / Barbara Ransby

Portrait of John Lewis with Edmund Pettus Bridge in background

John Lewis’s Fight for Justice Continues With Miracle Boyd John Lewis’s Fight for Justice Continues With Miracle Boyd

Those who criticize young activists today as too radical or impatient should remember the John Lewis of 1963.

Jul 21, 2020 / Barbara Ransby

Kiara Williams holds a megaphone in the air that says

The White Left Needs to Embrace Black Leadership The White Left Needs to Embrace Black Leadership

The current uprisings are what class struggle in the 21st century looks like.

Jul 2, 2020 / Barbara Ransby

Black Lives Matter Chicago protest

The Rising Black Left Movement Behind Chicago’s Historic Elections The Rising Black Left Movement Behind Chicago’s Historic Elections

No matter who becomes mayor on April 2, the landscape of Chicago politics has shifted radically.

Apr 1, 2019 / Barbara Ransby

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