Jonathan W. Gray

Jonathan W. Gray is an Associate Professor of English at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY, and the CUNY Graduate Center, where he teaches in English and Biography/Memoir programs. He holds a PhD from The Graduate School and University Center, CUNY, an MA from Fordham University, and a BA from Howard University. His research focuses on post-WWII literature, popular culture, and race, with key works including *Civil Rights in the White Literary Imagination* and the co-edited *Disability in Comics and Graphic Novels*. He is also working on a book project, *Illustrating the Race*, exploring African American representation in comics since 1966.

Gray’s expertise spans African American Culture, Comics Studies, and the intersection of race with media. His analysis of works like *Black Panther* and *Watchmen* highlights how Black artists resist dominant narratives. He contributes to *The New Republic*, offering critiques of contemporary culture, politics, and film. His academic work bridges critical theory, cultural history, and visual arts, as seen in his essays on *Bayou* and the Reagan era’s racial dynamics.

Gray’s publications address themes such as Black Sonic Resistance, the legacy of Emmett Till, and the role of folklore in challenging white supremacy. His interdisciplinary approach integrates literature, comics, and film, emphasizing how marginalized voices reshape cultural landscapes. Despite no listed awards, his scholarly and public contributions underscore his influence in race and representation studies.