Barbara Ransby facts for kids

Barbara Ransby was born on May 12, 1957. She is an American writer, historian, and professor. She is also an activist, which means she works to bring about social or political change. She is a respected member of the Society of American Historians. She also holds a special position called the John D. MacArthur Chair at the University of Illinois Chicago.

Barbara Ransby went to Columbia University and earned her bachelor's degree in 1984. She then continued her studies at the University of Michigan, where she received her master's degree and her PhD. In 1996, she became a professor at the University of Illinois Chicago. There, she teaches Black Studies, Gender and Women's Studies, and History. From 2016 to 2018, she was the president of the National Women's Studies Association. She is also known for her work as a historian of the Movement for Black Lives.

Ransby's academic work includes writing biographies of important black women activists from the 20th century. A biography is a book about someone's life. She has written about Ella Baker and Eslanda Robeson. Outside of her academic work, she has also been the leader of a non-profit organization. Her daughter, Asha Rosa Ransby-Sporn, is also involved in activism. As of 2021, she helps lead a youth organization called BYP100.

In 1995, Barbara Ransby joined with other black feminists like Angela Davis and Kimberlé Crenshaw. They formed a group called the African American Agenda 2000. This group worked to promote the voices and concerns of black women.

Her Important Books

Barbara Ransby has written several important books:

• Ella Baker and the Black Freedom Movement: A Radical Democratic Vision (published in 2003)
• Eslanda: The Large and Unconventional Life of Mrs. Paul Robeson (published in 2013)
• Making All Black Lives Matter: Reimagining Freedom in the Twenty-First Century (published in 2018)

Articles She Has Written

She has also written articles, including:

• "Suffocate Black Women Voices" (published in 1991)