Ravi K. Perry

Dr. Ravi K. Perry is a Professor of Political Science at Howard University, where he previously served as Department Chair (2019–2022). He has taught at Virginia Commonwealth University and Mississippi State University, among others. His expertise spans American Politics, Black Politics, LGBTQ+ Policy, Urban Politics, and Political Representation. Perry holds a Ph.D. and M.A. from Brown University and a B.A. from the University of Michigan.

His research focuses on Black political representation, urban race dynamics, and LGBTQ+ leadership. Notable works include 21st Century Urban Race Politics and Black Mayors, White Majorities, analyzing how Black mayors navigate majority-white cities. He is co-author of The Little Rock Crisis, exploring desegregation’s enduring impact through memory studies. Current projects include a book on Black LGBTQ+ elected officials.

Perry’s honors include Encyclopedia Britannica’s '20 under 40 Shapers of the Future' and recognition as a 'Hero Citizen' by the Andrew Goodman Foundation. He serves on editorial boards, including the American Political Science Review, and leadership roles in organizations like the Association for Ethnic Studies.

Active in community advocacy, he is Vice Chair at DC Vote and a board member of Us Helping Us. Perry balances academia with tennis, volunteering, and church involvement in Washington, D.C.’s Ward 7.