Lester K. Spence

Lester Spence is Assistant Professor of Political Science and Africana Studies at Johns Hopkins University. His specialties include black politics, racial politics, urban politics, public opinion, and American political thought. Interested in studying and contesting the reproduction of inequality, his work has appeared in both academic journals (including the American Journal of Political Science, Political Research Quarterly, Political Analysis, the WEB Dubois Review, and the National Political Science Review), and in the popular press (Urbanite Magazine, Salon.com, Africana.com, TheRoot.com, the Washington Post, thegrio.com). He is currently at work on a new book examining the neoliberal turn in black politics.

The 2009 recipient of Johns' Hopkins prestigious Excellence in Teaching Award (given yearly to the best teacher as judged by faculty, staff, alumni, and students), Dr. Spence is known for his ability to not only explain complex information in ways that diverse populations can understand and appreciate, but also for his willingness to mentor students.