Three Blacks, Including Two University Professors, Win MacArthur Genius Awards

Each year the Chicago-based MacArthur Foundation presents $500,000 awards to about two dozen scholars and artists. These so-called genius awards come with no strings attached, permitting the winners to pursue their work without worrying about paying their bills.

This year, of the 25 recipients, three blacks — all college graduates — won MacArthur grants. Two hold faculty posts at major American universities. Following are this year’s black MacArthur Award winners.

Regina Carter is a jazz violinist. She received classical training at the New England Conservatory of Music before branching out into jazz. A graduate of Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, she has recorded six albums and performed all over the world including Lincoln Center in New York City and the Kennedy Center in Washington.

John A. Rich is a professor of health management and policy at Drexel University in Philadelphia. He concentrates his research on the healthcare needs of young black men. A graduate of Dartmouth College, Dr. Rich received his medical training at Duke University School of Medicine. He also holds a master’s degree in public health from Harvard University. He previously held a faculty position at Boston University.

Jennifer Richeson is an associate professor of psychology at Northwestern University. Her social psychology research centers on behavioral patterns of prejudice and racial stereotyping. Professor Richeson is a graduate of Brown University and holds a Ph.D. in social psychology from Harvard University. She has previously held faculty positions at Stanford University and Dartmouth College.

Copyright © 2006. The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education. All rights reserved.