Charles S. Johnson

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2024

Abstract

Charles S. Johnson earned his PhD in Chicago but settled back in the South at Fisk University. He was a pioneer in rural sociology, particularly when it came to understanding the experiences of Black Americans. His goal was to understand Black culture within the context of the rural South, and he paid careful attention to the structural constraints that shaped the behaviors of Black residents. His level of detail when painting a picture of Black life makes his work valuable across a wide range of substantive areas. However, I find his work particularly relevant to discussions of the legacy of slavery, which is linked to the idea of Black geopolitics, or White control over resources, spaces, and places, and how the consequences of historical racism shape Black life. Too little attention has been paid to the experiences of racialized minorities in rural areas, and Johnson offers critical guidance, albeit historical, for contemporary scholars interested in advancing the understanding of rural places.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Fifty Key Scholars in Black Social Thought

First Page

98

Last Page

102

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