Dr. Henry Gates

Biography

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. is the Alphonse Fletcher University Professor at Harvard University and has a profound influence in the fields of African and African-American literature and cultural theory. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts from Yale University in 1973, followed by a Master of Arts and a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge in 1974 and 1979, respectively. Gates is known for his numerous works, including 'Black Church: Story, Song' (2021), 'Portable Nineteenth-Century African American Women Writers' (2017), and co-editing significant projects such as 'African American Lives 2' (2008). His films, including 'Faces America' (2010) and 'Finding Oprah's Roots' (2007), further illustrate his dedication to exploring and documenting the depth of African-American history and identity. Gates is currently on leave for the academic year 2025-26 but remains an influential figure in his field, actively accepting graduate student advisees.

Research Interests