Umayyah Cable

Umayyah Cable (they/them/their) is an Assistant Professor of American Culture and Film, Television, and Media at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. They hold a PhD in American Studies & Ethnicity from the University of Southern California, alongside a BA in American Studies from Smith College and a graduate certificate in Visual Studies from USC’s Visual Studies Research Institute. Their research examines intersections of race, media, and anti-colonial politics, particularly focusing on Palestinian solidarity movements in the U.S. They have held fellowships at Northwestern University and Harvard University.

Teaching interests include Arab-American Studies, with courses such as Introduction to Arab-American Studies offered across departments (AMAS, AMCULT, MIDEAST). Their work bridges queer theory, film studies, and decolonial frameworks to analyze cultural activism and political mobilization.

Research highlights cinematic and grassroots strategies for cultural solidarity, including pandemic-era activism and historical analyses of 1960s–1990s social movements. Their publications explore compulsory Zionism critique, queer Arab American resistance, and the role of film festivals in sustaining Palestinian diasporic identity.

Fellowships at top institutions underscore their scholarly impact. While no named awards are listed, their work reflects rigorous engagement with marginalized communities and critical ethnic studies methodologies. Courses and research emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to cultural politics and social justice.