Marcellus Blount

Marcellus Blount was an Associate Professor of English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University, serving as the first full-time Black faculty member in the English department and the first openly queer Black junior faculty in the School of Arts and Sciences. He dedicated over three decades to advancing academic diversity, co-founding the Institute for Research in African-American Studies (IRAAS) and the Institute for Research on Women, Gender, and Sexuality (IRWGS). His work bridged literary scholarship with activism, notably during the 1987 Hamilton Hall blockade, where he supported student protests despite personal risk. Blount’s interdisciplinary approach influenced fields like queer studies, feminist theory, and African diaspora literature. He mentored countless students and faculty, shaping Columbia’s academic landscape through quiet administrative advocacy and scholarly rigor.

• Department: English and Comparative Literature
• School: School of Arts and Sciences
• Institutes: IRAAS, IRWGS

Blount’s pedagogy emphasized inclusivity, expanding the Core Curriculum to reflect marginalized voices. His memoir, Still Here, and collaborative works like Representing Black Men cemented his legacy as a scholar-activist. Despite his profound impact, Blount remained humble, prioritizing collective progress over personal recognition.