Debra C. Smith

Dr. Debra C. Smith is an Associate Professor of Africana Studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), specializing in the intersection of race, health, and social environments. Her work examines healthcare inequalities, systemic racism, and the role of media in shaping cultural narratives. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro, complemented by master’s degrees from UNCC and East Carolina University, along with a B.A. from UNC-Chapel Hill.

Her research interests span medical humanities, African-American representation in media, and pedagogical strategies using popular culture. Current projects include Dear Charles: The North Carolina That Black Women Built and Soul Labor: Putting Soul Work into Course Work. Dr. Smith teaches courses such as Black Images in Media and Health and Environment in the Africana World.

Her publications analyze topics ranging from maternal health narratives to racial dynamics in branding. Notable works include Legacies: African American Female Pioneers (2019) and The Words Unspoken: The Hidden Power of Language (2008). She frequently addresses issues of linguistic power in rap music and cultural folklore, blending qualitative research with community-focused methodologies.