AJ Rice

AJ Rice is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), affiliated with the College of Letters and Science. His research focuses on Black Politics, Political Economy, and Education Politics, with a particular emphasis on intersections of race, capitalism, and urban governance. He holds a Ph.D. from Michigan State University (2020).

His work examines topics such as radical Black intellectual traditions, the role of Black popular culture in social movements, and the impact of neoliberal policies on urban education systems. Recent publications include analyses of Detroit's school takeovers and the sociopolitical implications of Black cultural production. His research bridges critical race theory, political economy, and urban studies.

Rice's articles collectively highlight themes of systemic inequality, racialized policymaking, and the sociohistorical dimensions of Black political agency. Though no specific awards are listed, his work demonstrates significant engagement with contemporary debates in Black studies and urban policy.