American historian (1941–2023)
John Bracey, Jr. (July 17, 1941 – February 5, 2023) was an African American scholar, historian, and activist who significantly contributed to the study of African American history and culture.
Early life.
John Bracey, Jr. was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1941. He was raised in Washington D.C in the 1950s, during the period of the Jim Crow laws. Bracey's mother, Helen, taught at Howard University.
Education.
While in Washington, D.C., Bracey began his studies at Howard University. He moved back to Chicago and studied at Roosevelt University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1964. Bracey completed his graduate education at Roosevelt University and Northwestern University.
Civil rights work.
While Bracey was a student in the 1960's, he was involved in civil rights activities such as sit-ins and marches to protest racial segregation. During 1961-1971 in Chicago, he was heavily involved with civil rights movements, Black Liberation, and Peace movements.
Bracey's most well-known rally was the Grant Park Protest in 1963. This protest involved 10,000 demonstrators alongside Rev. Joseph H. Jackson, a civil rights activist. The protest took place because Chicago Mayor Richard Daley was attempting to minimize the issue of race relations.
During his activism work, Bracey gained infamy from Chicago police. The police would follow and attempt to arrest him daily. However, the African American members of the Police Department protected Bracey during these times. The African American officers would escort Bracey to where he was going safely, and they would also tell Bracey about the upcoming plans of the Department.
In 1972, Bracey became a professor at the University of Massachusetts. He was one of the leading professors in the fields of African American studies and U.S. History. Bracey helped create one of the nation's first doctoral programs in African American Studies. During his time at the University of Massachusetts, he was a faculty member in the W.E.B Du Bois Department of Afro-American Studies. Bracey also directed and chaired the African Diaspora Studies graduate certificate.
Bracey supported student organizations, initiatives, and contributed greatly to cultural and educational life at UMass. Bracey's wide interests included music, particularly jazz. In addition to his scholarly works, he penned an award winning essay on John Coltrane. At the University, he sponsored tributes to Yusef Lateef and Max Roach, as well as other luminaries.
Chair of the W.E.B Dubois Department Yolanda Covington-Ward has said:
"Professor Bracey was a giant in his field. His contributions, mentorship, and advocacy for African American Studies/Black Studies were known throughout the world. He was a member of our department faculty for over 50 years...an institution within himself. Our department has lost one of its strongest pillars."
Death.
John Bracey, Jr. died on February 5, 2023, at the age of 81. Bracey leaves his wife and longtime partner, Ingrid Bracey, the former director of University Without Walls (University of Massachusetts Amherst).