Brittney Yancy

Dr. Brittney Yancy is an Assistant Professor of History and African American Studies at Illinois College, where she also serves as Program Coordinator at the Kirby Learning Center. Her interdisciplinary work bridges academia and activism with a focus on racial and gender justice.

Education:

• Ph.D. in U.S. History, University of Connecticut
• M.A. in U.S. History, University of Connecticut
• B.A. in History, Hampton University

Research Focus: Dr. Yancy's scholarship examines 20th-century social movements through intersectional frameworks, specializing in Black women's political thought, urban radicalism, and public history. Her current digital humanities project preserves the legacy of voting rights activists in Connecticut.

Awards & Grants:

• Honors: 100 Women of Color in Hartford, UConn Women of Color Award
• Major Grants: National Endowment for the Humanities, Mellon Foundation, Social Science Research Council
• Institutional Awards: National Council of Black Studies, University of Connecticut

Leadership & Service: She directs state-wide initiatives including Galvanize Connecticut and serves on education policy boards while maintaining active roles in historical societies and social justice organizations. Her community engagement reflects her commitment to scholar-activism.