Jessica Ann Levy

Jessica Ann Levy is an Assistant Professor of History at Purchase College, specializing in modern American history with a focus on intersections between racism, capitalism, and politics. Her research explores how movements for racial justice interacted with U.S. government institutions and multinational corporations.

Education:

• BA, Emory University
• MA, The University of Chicago
• PhD, Johns Hopkins University

Levy's groundbreaking book Black Power, Inc.: Corporate America, Race, and Empowerment Politics in the U.S. and Africa (under contract with University of Pennsylvania Press) examines the convergence of Black Power movements with corporate capitalism through transnational lenses, covering locations from North Philadelphia to Soweto. The work synthesizes history of capitalism, business history, and African studies methodologies.

Research Trends: Her scholarship consistently analyzes how radical demands for economic justice evolved into market-oriented empowerment programs, tracing the ideological transformation of black activism through corporate partnerships and state policies. This includes studies of entrepreneurialism, community development initiatives, and the commodification of racial politics.

Scientific Recognition:

• Honorable Mention for Mira Wilkins Prize (2021)
• Herman E. Krooss Prize Winner (2020)
• Betty M. Unterberger Prize Winner (2019)
• Jefferson Scholars/Hagley Library Fellow (2017-2018)

Levy contributes to public discourse through platforms like The Washington Post, Black Perspectives, and Public Seminar. She also hosts the monthly podcast Who Makes Cents, analyzing capitalism's historical evolution.