Melissa Victoria Harris-Lacewell
Assistant Professor of Political Science
University of Chicago
Department of Political Science
Center for the Study of Race, Politics, and Culture
5828 South University Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60637
773.702.8059 (office)
773.702.1689 (fax)
mvharris@uchicago.eduOffice: Pick Hall 515
Office Hours: Wednesdays 2-4 pmYou can learn more on my main website at
www.melissaharrislacewell.comMelissa Harris Lacewell is assistant professor of political science at the University of Chicago. She received her B.A. from Wake Forest University and her Ph.D. in political science from Duke University.
She is author of Barbershops, Bibles, and BET: Everyday Talk and Black Political Thought, (Princeton 2004). This text demonstrates how African Americans develop political ideologies through everyday conversations in places like barbershops, churches, and popular culture. Her academic research has been published in scholarly journals and edited volumes and her interests include the study of African American political thought, black religious ideas and practice, and social and clinical psychology. She is at work on a new book: For Colored Girls Who've Considered Politics When Being Strong Wasn't Enough. It is an examination of the connections between issues of shame, sadness, and strength in African American women's politics.
Professor Harris Lacewell's writings have been published in the Chicago Tribune, the Los Angeles Times, and New York Newsday. She has provided expert commentary on U.S. elections, racial issues, religious questions and gender issues for NBC, Fox, Chicago Public Television, Showtime, Black Enterprise, National Public Radio and many other broadcast and print sources around the country.
Professor Harris Lacewell is a dynamic public speaker who often addresses youth groups, colleges, churches, and other organizations. She keeps a political web log at www.melissaharrislacewell.com
