Walter C. Rucker

Walter C. Rucker is the Goodrich C. White Professor of African American Studies and History at Emory University. He holds a BA from Morehouse College, and MA/PhD from the University of California-Riverside. Previously, he served as a Professor of History at Rutgers University. His research focuses on the African Diaspora, Black Atlantic cultures, slavery, resistance, and ritual practices. Rucker has held leadership roles in ASWAD (2015–2021) and authored influential books like Gold Coast Diasporas (2015) and The River Flows On (2005). His work has been supported by the NEH, Mellon Foundation, and Layman Trust. Awards include the ASWAD Presidential Award (2017) and Ohio State’s Order of Omega (2010).

Education: Ph.D., University of California-Riverside (1999); M.A. (1994), B.A. Morehouse College (1992).

Rucker’s research explores the intersection of slavery, resistance, and ritual in the Black Atlantic. He analyzes how enslaved Africans used cultural practices to resist oppression and shape identity. His work bridges ethnohistory and political discourse, emphasizing the socio-political scripts of diasporic communities. Recent studies include Gabriel’s Conspiracy (2023) and Gold Coast ritual technologies (2017).

Award highlights include recognition for scholarship (ASWAD, NCBS), teaching (Harold Edgerton), and mentoring (Black Graduate Caucus). His current projects address racial violence, mass incarceration, and diasporic history.

Teaching spans graduate/undergraduate courses on Atlantic cultures, slavery, and diaspora studies. He actively mentors students but is not accepting new advisees. His publications include over 100 journal articles, encyclopedias, and edited volumes.