Sandra L. Barnes

Sandra L. Barnes is the C.V. Starr Professor of Sociology at Brown University. Previously, she held a joint appointment as Professor of Sociology at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College and Divinity School (2008–2019), and served as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Vanderbilt (2016–2018). Her research focuses on race, religion, urban inequality, and Black youth education. Notable projects include documentaries like Gary, Indiana: A Tale of Two Cities (2018, Emmy-nominated) and About the Kids series (2023), examining urban challenges and educational systems in Gary, Indiana. Barnes has secured over $2.5M in grants and published 9 books, 3 edited volumes, and 60+ peer-reviewed articles. She is a two-time President of the Association of Black Sociologists and recipient of the 2019 Cox-Johnson-Frazier Award from the ASA.

Her work blends mixed methodologies to explore resilience in marginalized communities, the role of Black churches in education and health, and systemic racial inequities. Recent projects like the Telly Award-winning Four Voices (2023) continue her focus on documentary storytelling for social impact. Barnes has presented globally and advised policymakers, bridging academic research with community advocacy.

• Awards: Cox-Johnson-Frazier Award (2019), Emmy nomination (2018)
• Leadership: ASA’s Association of Black Sociologists (2010–2012), Equity Officer at Vanderbilt
• Grants: Over $2.5M as PI/Co-PI, focusing on urban sociology and religious institutions

Barnes’ research labs and collaborations include interdisciplinary teams producing documentaries and policy analyses, emphasizing community-driven solutions to systemic poverty and educational disparities.