Bernard E. Powers Jr. earned a PhD in American history at Northwestern University and is professor of history at the College of Charleston teaching courses in American, African American, and African diasporic history. His major work, Black Charlestonians: A Social History 1822-1885, was designated an Outstanding Academic Book by Choice Magazine. He has published several book chapters and journal articles in his area of expertise and is currently researching the rise of black Methodism in South Carolina. Dr. Powers has appeared in African American oriented documentary films, including most recently the PBS production The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross. He has also served as a board member or consultant to private organizations and public agencies promoting historic preservation. Presently Dr. Powers is on the board of the International African American Museum (IAAM) being built in Charleston, South Carolina, and chairs its program subcommittee. IAAM is a unique museum and memorial site that will mark the most significant point in the Atlantic slave trade to North America. |
