معرفی
Gerald L. Smith is a full professor of history at the University of Kentucky (UK), affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. He holds a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in history from UK. His roles include former director of the African American Studies and Research Program (1997-2005) and pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church (Lexington) since 2011. He is a prominent scholar of African American history, race and sports, and the Black Freedom Struggle.
Dr. Smith has authored/co-authored five books, including the award-winning Slavery and Freedom in the Bluegrass State (2023) and The Kentucky African American Encyclopedia (2015). He co-edits the University Press of Kentucky’s series on race and sports. His current research focuses on a general history of Black Kentuckians.
- Awards: Over 20 honors including the UK Alumni Great Teacher Award (2013), Charles W. Anderson Laureate (2014), and 2025 Black Authors Matter TV Award.
- Service: Served on the Kentucky African American Heritage Commission, Kentucky Historical Society Foundation Board, and co-chaired the Fayette County Racial Justice Commission (2020).
- Media: Featured in documentaries on CBS, NBC, and NPR’s WEKU, and hosts a radio series on racial justice.
Smith’s academic leadership extends to teaching courses on Kentucky history, the Civil Rights Movement, and African American intellectual history. He actively engages in community advocacy and educational outreach, including workshops for K-12 teachers and historical consulting.
