Ruth J. Simmons Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice

This research cluster is reshaping scholar’s understanding of the history and growth of capitalism and will bring together the best scholars in the world.  This is a three year project that is co-led by the Simmons Center and the International Institute of Social History (Amsterdam).

Recent News

In a joint project with the International Institute of Social History, the Cluster unites scholars from across continents. Since 2021, the group has met in Amsterdam and Jamaica to examine racial capitalism, colonial rule, and slavery’s lasting impact, fostering global discussions on these interconnected histories.
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Current and Past Faculty, Researchers, and Fellows

Race, Slavery, Colonialism and Capitalism Research Cluster Faculty Leadership

  • Anthony Bogues

    Inaugural Director, Ruth J. Simmons Center for the Study of Slavery & Justice (on leave July–December 2025); Director, MA in Public Humanities (on leave July–December 2025); Asa Messer Professor of Humanities and Africana Studies
  • Pepijn Brandon

    Simmons Center Visiting Scholar

Graduate Fellows

Arlin Hill ’27 Ph.D.
Race, Slavery, Colonialism and Capitalism Graduate Proctor (2024–2025)
Race, Slavery, Colonialism and Capitalism Graduate Fellow (2023–2024)