Careers in the Classics
America’s few Black classics professors have overcome contempt and criticism to contribute a unique perspective to the study of the ancient world
By Lydia Lum
Dr. Patrice Rankine is accustomed to proving himself to his students. The
associate professor from Purdue University has grown used to the irony. As one of the few Black classicists teaching at an American university, he has drawn plenty of skepticism from those taking his Latin and Greek courses.
“Students wonder if I really know the languages,” says Rankine. “After a while, they realize that I do.”
