Brittney Cooper

Brittney Cooper is an Associate Professor in the Department of Africana Studies and Women's and Gender Studies at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. She is a leading scholar in Black feminist thought and public intellectualism, with a focus on the historical and cultural contributions of Black women.

Education:

• Ph.D. in American Studies, Emory University, 2009
• M.A. in American Studies, Emory University, 2007
• B.A. in English and Political Science, Howard University, 2002

Her research centers on Black women’s intellectual history, Black feminist theory, and the politics of race and gender in hip hop and popular culture. She explores how Black women have shaped public discourse through activism, media, and cultural production. Her work bridges academic scholarship and public engagement, particularly through digital platforms.

Her recent and forthcoming publications reflect a strong trend in cultural criticism, feminist media analysis, and historical recovery of Black women’s voices. These works span disciplines including gender studies, African American studies, media studies, and intellectual history, with a consistent focus on intersectionality and social justice.

Scientific and Public Recognition:

• Co-founder of the Crunk Feminist Collective, recognized as a top feminist blog by New York Magazine (2011) and a top race blog by TheRoot.com (2012)
• Published in leading journals and edited volumes on Black feminism and cultural studies

Professor Cooper is actively mentoring the next generation of scholars in Africana and Gender Studies, though specific advisees are not listed. She is currently completing her first book, Race Women: Gender and the Making of a Black Public Intellectual Tradition, 1892–Present, which promises to be a landmark contribution to the field. Her work is supported by her institutional affiliations and public intellectual platforms.

She is a core faculty member in a dynamic interdisciplinary department and contributes to the intellectual life of Rutgers through teaching, writing, and public engagement. Her digital presence through the Crunk Feminist Collective demonstrates a commitment to accessible, community-centered scholarship.