Rico Chapman

Dr. Rico Chapman received his Ph.D. in African Studies in 2008 from Howard University.  Dr. Chapman is currently an Associate Professor and Interim Chair in the Department of History and Philosophy and teaches courses in African and Public History at Jackson State University.  Chapman’s research focuses on the linkages in the struggle for justice by students throughout the African Diaspora, particularly in Mississippi and South Africa where he studied and taught. He believes that in liberation movements throughout the world students have repeatedly played the role of sparks to ignite mass protests for social change and have demonstrated their ability to have a significant impact on political, economic, social and educational systems across the globe.  He has presented at a number of conferences and holds board appointments and membership in various organizations.  Dr. Chapman is also the Director for the Fannie Lou Hamer Institute @ COFO: Human and Civil Rights Interdisciplinary Education Center at Jackson State University. His latest book is entitled Student Resistance to Apartheid at the University of Fort Hare: Freedom Now, a Degree Tomorrow (Lexington Books, 2016).