Reuben A Buford May

Reuben A Buford May is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an affiliate of the Center for Social & Behavioral Science. His work focuses on urban nightlife, race, class, and cultural scripts, particularly in African American communities.

• University: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Department: Sociology
• Research Focus: Urban sociology, racial discrimination, cultural scripts, and sports sociology.

His research explores how social structures and cultural practices shape experiences in public spaces, with notable work on differential pricing in nightclubs, high school basketball's societal role, and ethnographic methods in urban settings. Recent publications address adolescent sports participation, mentorship dynamics, and digital disadvantage.

Scientific Awards:

• Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement Award in Teaching (2013)
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Visiting Professorship, MIT (2010)
• General Sandy Beaver Teaching Professorship (2003)
• Glasscock University Professorship in Undergraduate Teaching Excellence (2015)
• Minnie Stevens Piper Professor Award (2018)

May's work has been featured in media discussions about racial discrimination in Chicago nightclubs and has received recognition for its impact on understanding race and inequality.