Renowned Author and Thought Leader Dr. Joy Angela DeGruy Appointed Provost’s Distinguished Visiting Scholar

Dr. Joy Angela DeGruy renowned author, thought leader, and internationally recognized speaker has been appointed as a Provost’s Distinguished Visiting Scholar at Morehouse College.Dr. DeGruy brings more than three decades of experience as a social work professional, researcher, and educator. Her groundbreaking work explores the intersections of racism, trauma, violence, and American chattel slavery, with a focus on healing and empowerment. She is best known for her seminal book, Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing (2005), which examines how multigenerational trauma from enslavement continues to shape the lives of African Americans. Widely cited in academic research, the book has become a foundational text in the fields of psychology, history, and Africana studies. In 2023, the American Psychological Association recognized Dr. DeGruy with its prestigious President’s Award.

Morehouse will benefit deeply from Dr. DeGruy’s expertise on Black male youth. Over six years of research, she developed the African American Male Adolescent Respect Scale—an assessment tool that broadens understanding of the challenges facing young Black men. Her work addresses urgent issues such as disproportionate criminal justice involvement, as well as rising rates of suicide, depression, and anxiety among African American boys and men.

“Dr. DeGruy’s work has transformed our understanding of the intergenerational impact of slavery and racism while offering pathways toward healing and resilience,” said Dr. Kendrick Brown, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Morehouse College. “Her appointment as a Provost’s Distinguished Visiting Scholar reflects Morehouse College’s commitment to advancing scholarship and dialogue that address the lived experiences of our communities. We are honored to welcome her voice and expertise to Morehouse, where she will engage students and faculty in conversations that inspire critical thought, healing, and action.”

Dr. DeGruy’s scholarship and activism extend across the globe. She has delivered lectures and seminars on intergenerational trauma, social justice, and healing in venues from Harvard and Yale to Oxford and Columbia, and from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy to the Essence Music Festival. Her work has also reached international audiences, including testimony at the California Reparations Task Force Hearings in 2022, presentations at the International Summits on Reparations and Healing in Italy and Ghana in 2023, and participation in UNESCO’s Third Global Forum Against Racism and Discrimination in Brazil later that year.

Beyond the academy, Dr. DeGruy has been featured on national media platforms, including Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network, and continues to be a leading voice on racial healing, equity, and justice.

As a Provost’s Distinguished Visiting Scholar, Dr. DeGruy will enrich the intellectual and cultural life of Morehouse College by engaging with faculty, students, and the broader Atlanta community. Her presence reflects the College’s dedication to global leadership, social justice, and the continued pursuit of healing from historical injustices.