Picture an American scholar who weaves history, passion, and sharp insight into a call for change—meet Eddie S. Glaude Jr.! A leading voice on race and democracy, this Princeton professor and author challenges us to confront the nation’s past and reimagine its future. From his bestselling books to his fiery TV appearances, Glaude’s work is a wake-up call wrapped in hope.
Born in 1968 in Moss Point, Mississippi, Glaude’s journey from a small Southern town to the halls of academia is as inspiring as his writing. His books, like Democracy in Black and Begin Again, blend memoir, history, and critique, urging readers to face America’s racial truths with courage.
The Making of Eddie S. Glaude Jr.
Eddie S. Glaude Jr. grew up in a working-class family, with a father who served in the Navy and a mother who left school early but worked tirelessly. A bright student, he graduated high school at 16 and earned a bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College in 1989. His academic path took him to Temple University for a master’s in African American studies and Princeton for a Ph.D. in religion. These roots—Southern, grounded, and intellectual—shaped his lens on America’s complexities.
Starting his career at Bowdoin College, Glaude later joined Princeton, where he became the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor. As chair of the Department of African American Studies for over a decade, he built a legacy of scholarship and activism, influenced by thinkers like James Baldwin and Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Eddie S. Glaude Jr.’s Unforgettable Works
Glaude’s writing is bold, blending scholarly rigor with a preacher’s passion. His 2016 book, Democracy in Black: How Race Still Enslaves the American Soul, is a powerful polemic arguing that a “value gap”—where white lives are valued more—distorts American democracy. Critics, including Cornel West, praised its urgent call for a revolution of values.
In 2020, Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own became a New York Times bestseller. Inspired by Baldwin, Glaude explores how America’s racial history repeats itself, urging readers to face hard truths. His 2024 book, We Are the Leaders We Have Been Looking For, is a lyrical meditation on ordinary people driving democratic change. Other works, like In a Shade of Blue and An Uncommon Faith, dive into Black pragmatism and religion, showcasing his range.
His style? Think of a conversation with a wise friend who’s unafraid to challenge you. Glaude mixes personal stories, historical analysis, and moral clarity, making complex ideas accessible. Whether on MSNBC’s Morning Joe or in TIME columns, his voice resonates, demanding attention and action.
Why Eddie S. Glaude Jr. Matters
Glaude’s impact lies in his ability to bridge academia and activism. His books spark discussions on race, justice, and democracy, while his media presence—on Meet the Press or Deadline: White House—brings these ideas to millions. He’s not just a scholar; he’s a public intellectual pushing for a multiracial democracy. Awards like the 2021 Stowe Prize for Begin Again and his Morehouse College Board of Trustees role highlight his influence.
By channeling Baldwin’s critical spirit, Glaude challenges America to shed its myths and embrace truth. His work inspires students, activists, and everyday readers to rethink their role “‘in a nation ‘between worlds,’’ as he puts it, making him a vital voice in today’s divided times.
- Born: September 4, 1968, Moss Point, Mississippi
- Key Works: Democracy in Black (2016), Begin Again (2020), We Are the Leaders We Have Been Looking For (2024)
- Awards: 2021 Stowe Prize for Begin Again
- Notable Roles: Princeton professor, MSNBC contributor, Morehouse trustee
Snag Begin Again or Democracy in Black and dive into Eddie S. Glaude Jr.’s electrifying blend of history and hope. Your bookshelf—and your perspective—will thank you!