Jenn M. Jackson (they/them) is a queer, androgynous Black woman, lover of all Black people, organizer, and Assistant Professor at Syracuse University in the Department of Political Science. Jackson’s research is in Black Politics with a focus on Black Feminist movements, racial threat, gender and sexuality, policing, and political behavior. They have written peer-reviewed articles at Public Culture, Politics, Groups, and Identities, and the Journal of Women, Politics, and Policy. Jackson is the author of BLACK WOMEN TAUGHT US, a detailed analysis of the Black women scholars, activists, and social movements organizers whose radical and path-breaking work has shaped today’s political environment. 

Jackson’s forthcoming academic book POLICING BLACKNESS (University of Chicago Press, expected 2025) investigates the role of racial threat in influencing Black Americans’ political behavior. Specifically, they show how racial trauma has deeply shaped Black Americans’ daily experiences living under the carceral state. And, how those experiences affect Black Americans differently based on their gender, sexuality, ability, and other personal attributes.

Jackson received their doctoral degree from the Department of Political Science at the University of Chicago where they also received a graduate certificate in Gender and Sexuality Studies. Jackson teaches courses on Gender and Politics, Black Feminism, Black Politics, and the Politics of Racial Threat.

TOPICS: Politics, Activism, Women & Girls of Color