Those of us interested in race and class in America lost a profound scholar this past week. Manning Marable, who was a professor of history and political science at Columbia University, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 60. In the days since his passing, there have been many laudatory obituaries discussing the profound influence that Marable had in the scholarly world and beyond. These writers also noted that Marable had just completed “his life’s work,” a biography of Malcolm X that is said to contain research that will alter our perceptions of the civil-rights leader.
When I think about Manning Marable, the first thought that comes to mind is his kindness toward young scholars and the opportunities that he provided to them. In 2004, I was lucky enough to have been one of those young scholars. Marable and the Institute for Research in African American Studies sponsored a conference entitled “Black Faculty in the Ivy League: Where Do We Go From Here?” Although slightly intimidated at the time, I submitted a paper along with one of my graduate students, and to our surprise we were accepted.
When I arrived at the conference, I expected that the speakers and panelist would all be established in their careers. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that there were many young up-and-coming scholars at the event. When I look back on the conference, I remember it as an event at which I met many of those scholars who I now count as colleagues. We were all given a chance to share our work even though we were just getting started. Marable created an open environment in which young and old, brand-new faculty members and those who were more established, could interact and have respectful dialogue.
I have long admired Marable for his engagement of younger scholars. This commitment can also be seen in SOULS: A Critical Journal of Black Politics, Culture, and Society, the journal that Marable founded and edited. Not only did Marable look for new talent with the journal, but a quick scan of the editorial staff shows young professors studying the black diaspora and being given an opportunity to contribute intellectually.
Of course, Marable produced many influential books and article and established one of the most influential African-American studies centers in the United States, but while doing so he also created a legacy of giving back to younger scholars. In my opinion, this is one of the most significant legacies one can leave.
