On July 5, 2026, the BAMIT community lost one of its most respected scholars with the passing of Dr. Georgia A. Persons, PhD ‘78, whose distinguished career advanced the study of African American politics, public policy, and urban governance. Through decades of teaching, research, and mentorship, Dr. Persons helped shape the field while inspiring generations of students and scholars.
Dr. Persons earned her bachelor's degree in political science from Southern University before completing her Ph.D. in political science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Her doctoral research examined the first term of Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson, laying the foundation for a career devoted to understanding Black political leadership, democratic governance, and the relationship between public institutions and racial equity.
As a professor in the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy at the Georgia Institute of Technology, Dr. Persons became widely recognized for her scholarship in African American politics, urban politics, public policy, and health policy. Her research explored how race, political institutions, and public policy intersect to shape opportunity and social outcomes, and in recent years she focused on health disparities and the policies affecting underserved communities.
Dr. Persons was a dedicated member of the National Conference of Black Political Scientists (NCOBPS), where her scholarship, editorial leadership, and mentorship enriched one of the nation's foremost organizations devoted to the study of Black politics. Her work reflected NCOBPS's mission of advancing rigorous scholarship on the political experiences, aspirations, and contributions of people of African descent.
Among her many scholarly contributions were the edited volumes Contours of African American Politics, which brought together leading voices in the field to examine the evolution and future of Black politics in the United States. She also edited The Politics of the Black "Nation": A Twenty-Five-Year Retrospective, a landmark collection reflecting on the development of Black political thought and scholarship.
Throughout her career, Dr. Persons received numerous honors, including recognition as a Ford Foundation Fellow and an American Political Science Association Fellow. Equally important was her reputation as a generous mentor, thoughtful colleague, and dedicated educator whose influence extended far beyond her own publications.
Dr. Georgia A. Persons leaves behind an enduring scholarly legacy. Her work deepened our understanding of African American political development, strengthened the discipline of political science, and challenged scholars and policymakers alike to pursue a more equitable and inclusive democracy. Her intellect, integrity, and commitment to public service will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.
May her memory be a blessing, and may her life's work continue to illuminate the path for future generations of scholars and public servants.
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