Justin Behrend

Justin Behrend is a Professor of History at SUNY Geneseo since 2007, currently serving as the James & Julia Lockhart Endowed Professor. He specializes in 19th-century U.S. history, African American history, and Reconstruction-era studies. His research explores Black political mobilization, historical memory, and the socio-political dynamics of the post-Civil War South. Behrend's notable work includes the award-winning book *Reconstructing Democracy: Black Grassroots Politics in the Deep South after the Civil War* (2015), which examines racial and political transformations during Reconstruction.

Education:

• Ph.D. in History, Northwestern University

Research Interests: Nineteenth-century U.S. history, African American history, Atlantic World slavery, Southern history, Reconstruction, and historical memory. Behrend's work bridges political history with social and cultural analysis, focusing on marginalized voices and systemic inequities.

Awards:

• McLemore Prize for best book in Mississippi History (2016)
• Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching (2013)

Teaching & Leadership: Served as Department Chair (2017–2022) and currently directs the History Graduate Program. Teaches courses on the Civil War era, historical methods, and the Underground Railroad. Engages public scholarship through projects like the Black Politicians Database and After Slavery initiatives.

Labs/Teams: Collaborates on digital humanities projects including Black Politicians Database and Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade research platforms.