Tommie Shelby

Tommie Shelby is the Caldwell Titcomb Professor of African and African American Studies and of Philosophy at Harvard University, and the Lee Simpkins Family Professor of Arts and Sciences. He received his B.A. from Florida A&M University (1990) and Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh (1998). Prior to Harvard (2000–present), he taught at Ohio State University (1996–2000). He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and served as President of the American Philosophical Association (Eastern Division).

His research and teaching interests include

• Social and Political Philosophy
• History of Black Political Thought
• Philosophy of Race
• Philosophy of Law
• Critical Philosophy of Race
• Philosophy of Social Science

These areas are reflected in his influential books: Dark Ghettos, We Who Are Dark, and The Idea of Prison Abolition.

The themes of his recent publications align with his broader research, focusing on

• Prison Abolition
• Structural Injustice
• Racial and Economic Equity
• Critical Race Theory
• Black Radicalism
• Political Prisoners

These works engage with debates on carceral systems, race theory, and ethical reform.

He has received notable scientific awards, including the Spitz Prize (2018), North American Society for Social Philosophy Book Award (2016), and the Easton Award (2023). His editorial roles include coediting Transition and Hip Hop and Philosophy: Rhyme 2 Reason.