معرفی
Thomas J. Desch-Obi is Associate Professor of History at Baruch College's Weissman School of Arts and Sciences, City University of New York. His research specializes in African and African diaspora history, particularly martial arts traditions across the Atlantic world. He holds a Ph.D. in African History from UCLA, an M.A. in African Studies from UCLA, and a B.A. in Religion from Harvard University.
Research Focus
Desch-Obi's work examines combat traditions as expressions of cultural identity, spiritual practice, and resistance. His scholarship explores: African martial aesthetics in the Americas; machete fighting in revolutionary contexts; spiritual dimensions of combat; and the transnational evolution of traditions like capoeira. His research spans Venezuela, Colombia, Cuba, Haiti, Brazil, and West/Central Africa.
Awards and Grants
- Hines Prize for best book in Atlantic World History (2008)
- Schomburg Scholar in Residence Fellowship (2010)
- Multiple PSC-CUNY research grants including 'Grima's West African Antecedants' (2019-22) and 'The Juego Cubano' (2014-15)
- British Library grant for Colombian martial arts research (2013)
- Fulbright Fellowship for Namibian research (1997)
Academic Service
He serves on committees for Curriculum Development, Latin American Studies, and Religion/Culture programs at Baruch. He is faculty advisor for the Boxing/Mixed Martial Arts Club and has served as interim History Department Chair.
