Robert J. Patterson (educator)
American educator
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Robert Patterson is an American educator who currently serves as a professor of African American studies at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Patterson also served as the co-chair for the development committee for the creation of AP African American Studies.
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Emory University (M.A.)
Georgetown University (B.A.)
Robert J. Patterson | |
|---|---|
Dr. Patterson speaking in 2016 | |
| Born | |
| Education | Emory University (Ph.D.) Emory University (M.A.) Georgetown University (B.A.) |
| Occupation | African American History Professor |
Career
Patterson attended graduate school after receiving a scholarship from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. Upon receiving his Ph.D., Patterson became a professor of history and African American studies at Georgetown University.[1][2]
In 2016, Patterson became the first chair of the African American Studies department at Georgetown University, holding the position until 2019.[3]
AP African American Studies
Patterson serves as the co-chair of the committee of teachers who developed College Board's new AP African American Studies course.[4][5] Patterson, alongside other historians like Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham, oversaw the development of the course curriculum.[6] Patterson argues that the purpose of the new course is to teach what American education has neglected; to teach "Black experiences, Black knowledge and Black culture."[7]
In 2023, after Governor Ron DeSantis blocked the course in Florida, Patterson stated that College Board does not cave to the political pressure of the governor of Florida.[8] Patterson accused DeSantis' decision on racism, stating, "I think that part of it has to do with white supremacy and anti-Black racism."[9]
Publications and works
- Black Narratives of Slavery : A Very Short Introducton, 2026
- Black Cultural Production After Civil Rights, 2019
- Destructive Desires: Rhythm and Blues Culture and the Politics of Racial Equality, 2019
- The Psychic Hold of Slavery: Legacies in American Expressive Culture, 2016
- Exodus Politics: Civil Rights and Leadership in African American Literature and Culture, 2013