Ray Black

Ray Black is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ethnic Studies at Colorado State University. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago and a B.A. from California State University, Sacramento. His research focuses on African American student retention at Historically/Predominantly White Institutions (HWIs/PWIs), Critical Race Theory (CRT), equity in K-12 and higher education, and protest histories. He actively advocates against School Resource Officers (SROs) in schools and promotes equitable treatment of students of color.

Education background:

• Ph.D. in Ethnic Studies, University of Chicago
• B.A. in English, California State University, Sacramento

Research interests emphasize systemic barriers faced by Black students, CRT applications in educational policy, and anti-racist pedagogical frameworks. His work bridges academic research with community activism, particularly around school discipline reforms and institutional equity initiatives.

Recent publications analyze racial disparities in gifted education, disciplinary practices targeting students of color, and Black student resilience strategies at HWIs. His 2023 article on counter-stories in gifted education highlights intersectional challenges faced by marginalized students.

Notable recognition:

• 2024-2025 WICHE Academy for Leaders in the Humanities Fellow

Teaching focuses include African American history through art, resistance movements, and advanced research methods. He mentors students navigating academic spaces as first-generation scholars, drawing from his own journey of overcoming educational barriers.