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Lester Spence is Assistant Professor of Political Science and Africana Studies at Johns Hopkins University. He is the author of the forthcoming book, Stare in the Darkness: Rap, Hip-hop, and Black Politics (University of Minnesota Press 2011). He is currently at work on a new book: Can’t Knock the Hustle: Black Neoliberal Politics.
His academic research is inspired by a desire to chart the various challenges that race poses for democratic practice, as well as by a desire to show that “another world is possible”–that citizens here and abroad can work together to deal with these fundamental challenges.
Professor Spence’s teaching, like his research is motivated by the practical political and racial issues of our time. The recipient of Johns’ Hopkins prestigious Excellence in Teaching Award (given yearly to the best teacher as judged by faculty, staff, alumni, and students), Dr. Spence is known for his ability to not only explain complex information in ways that diverse populations can understand and appreciate, but also for his willingness to mentor students.
Professor Spence appears regularly on NPR and provides expert commentary on black politics, racial politics, urban politics, and public opinion. His work can be found in a variety of media outlets, including Salon.com, Blackvoices.com, The Urbanite, The Washington Post, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He received both his bachelor’s and doctoral degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. A proud native of the Detroit area, he is also a husband and a father of five.