Richard Iton facts for kids

Richard Iton (September 14, 1961 – April 21, 2013) was a Canadian professor. He taught African American studies at Northwestern University. He was known for studying how black popular culture helped build communities and influenced politics.

Early Life and Education

Richard Iton was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He went to Selwyn House School and Marianopolis College. Later, he studied at McGill University, where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees.

Higher Education and Teaching Career

In 1994, Richard Iton earned his PhD from Johns Hopkins University. After finishing his studies, he taught at the University of Toronto. Later, he joined the political science department at Northwestern University.

Important Books and Awards

Richard Iton wrote several important books. These books explored how culture and politics are connected, especially within black communities.

Solidarity Blues

Iton's first book was called Solidarity Blues: Race, Culture and the American Left. This book won the Gustavus Meyer Outstanding Book Award in 2000. This award recognizes books that promote understanding of human diversity.

In Search of the Black Fantastic

His most famous book is In Search of the Black Fantastic: Politics and Popular Culture in the Post-Civil Rights Era. It was published by Oxford University Press in 2008. This book won the Ralph Bunche Award from the American Political Science Association. This award is given for the best book on ethnic and cultural pluralism.

At the time of his death, Richard Iton was working on his third book. He passed away from leukemia on April 21, 2013.