The Department of English is excited to announce Professor Simone Drake’s inclusion in the 2023 edition of Who’s Who in Black Columbus.  

Who’s Who in Black Columbus celebrates and acknowledges the achievements of local African Americans across multiple industries. The 2023 publication and its honorees were celebrated at a gala on November 7 in the Archie M. Griffin Grand Ballroom.  

Drake is the Hazel C. Youngberg Trustees Distinguished Professor of African American and African Studies within the Department of English, and a faculty affiliate at the Moritz College of Law, the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity, the Department of African American and African Studies and the Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Her interdisciplinary research focuses on how people of African descent in the Americas negotiate the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, class, and nation through the lenses of critical race, gender, and legal studies.  

Drake recalls her reaction upon hearing about her inclusion: “I felt honored to be recognized for my work and contributions to academia and my community engagement work in Central Ohio.” While she attended the ceremony Drake was able “to see people from across campus who I rarely would see otherwise, as well as people I know from outside of OSU.” She especially enjoyed seeing one of her former community partners, Fran Frazier, honored at the ceremony. Drake says, “it was a joy to witness her receive the award.” 

Congratulations to Simone Drake on this recognition!