Ray Black teaches African American Studies (history, arts, media), and his research focuses on Critical Race Theory (CRT), equity in K-12 and Higher Education, retention and graduation rates of African American students at Historically/Predominantly White Institutions (HWIs or PWIs) and histories and theories of protest.
He is an activist on removing School Resource Officers (SROs) from local middle and high schools, equitable access and treatment of students of color in K-12 and Higher Education, as well as other local issues.
A first-generation college student, Black was named one of CSU’s Best Teachers in 2016. He earned his bachelor’s degree from California State University, Sacramento, and his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago.