Stephanie Shaw

Stephanie J. Shaw is a distinguished Professor in the History Department at Ohio State University, where she has been an integral part of the faculty since 1988. Her academic journey is marked by a profound commitment to exploring the rich tapestry of African-American history, with a particular emphasis on the experiences and contributions of African-American women. In addition to her primary role in the History Department, Shaw holds joint appointments in the Women's Studies and Black Studies departments, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to scholarship. Shaw's research is deeply rooted in the exploration of African-American women's history, a field in which she has made significant contributions. Her seminal work, "What a Woman Ought To Be and To Do: Black Professional Women Workers during the Jim Crow Era," delves into the intricate lives of black women who navigated the challenges of the Jim Crow Era while working in feminized professions. This book is a testament to Shaw's dedication to uncovering the nuanced narratives of black women's lives, focusing on their roles within family, work, and community settings. In addition to her groundbreaking research on professional black women, Shaw has also contributed to the academic discourse on W. E. B. Du Bois with her publication "Soul, Striving, Spirit, and Songs: W. E. B. Du Bois and The Souls of Black Folk." This work highlights her ability to engage with complex historical figures and themes, offering fresh perspectives on well-trodden historical ground. Currently, Shaw is in the process of completing a new volume that promises to further illuminate the history of African-American women. Tentatively titled "Grandmothers, Granny Women, and Old Aunts: Rethinking Slave Families and Communities in the Nineteenth-Century South," this forthcoming work aims to reshape our understanding of slave families and communities, particularly through the lens of female slaves in the nineteenth-century South. Throughout her illustrious career, Shaw has been recognized with prestigious fellowships at renowned institutions such as the Carter G. Woodson Institute, Rice University, The National Humanities Center, and The Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences, as well as the Stanford Humanities Center. These fellowships underscore her status as a leading scholar in her field, providing her with opportunities to further her research and engage with other scholars in meaningful ways. Stephanie J. Shaw's contributions to the fields of African-American history and women's studies continue to inspire students and scholars alike. Her work not only enriches our understanding of the past but also challenges us to consider the complex interplay of race, gender, and history in shaping the narratives of African-American women.