The Black Hero

This course is an exploration of the notion of a “Black hero.” African American history and culture is replete with individuals who are all share the label of “hero.” However, what exactly makes a hero? And more importantly what kind of political and cultural work is being serviced by invocations of the term? How is it that Barack Obama., Michael Jordan, and the Black Panther – a politician, an athlete, and a fictional character – can all share this same title? Through discussions and readings, students will examine a range of examples of “Black heroes” and offer critical reflections on their relationships to specific kinds of politics as well as vectors of class, gender, and sexuality.