The 2020 "50 Over 50" list celebrates recognizes Minnesotans over the age of 50 who have made significant contributions and achievements in their communities. "Duchess Harris, who teaches American studies and political science at Macalester College, sees the world as her classroom. When the 51-year-old Vadnais Heights resident joined the school’s faculty in 1998, she was tasked with centering the Black experience in the curriculum. Frustrated with the lack of appropriate read

On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks was arrested in Alabama for refusing to give up her seat to a white bus passenger. Her arrest sparked a 381–day boycott of the Montgomery bus system. Dr. Duchess Harris provides a resource list to mark the anniversary of this historic event and dispel common narratives about Parks. >> Read now

Black women have been at the vanguard of social and political change in Minnesota for generations — from abolitionist Emily Grey to anti-lynching activist Nellie Francis, from labor leader Nellie Stone Johnson to civil rights organizer Anna Arnold Hedgeman, and from social reformer W. Gertrude Brown to fair-housing advocate Katie McWatt. Join Dr. Josie Johnson, Angela Conley, and Anika Bowie for a lively, multi-generational conversation, moderated by Professor Duchess Harris

The Minnesota Book Publishers' Roundtable's November webinar featured conversations about obstacles to publishing more diverse content and strategies for elevating unheard voices and reaching readers and buyers underserved by mainstream publishing lists. How do diverse content and author demographics shape the selection process? Are there topics that are oversaturated or ineffective? Panelists included Ramsey County librarian Tasha Nins; author Duchess Harris, professor of Am

Duchess Harris was featured on the podcast "Our Common Ground" which explores and examines history and culture, the socio-economic and political issues and conditions of Black people in America. >> Listen now

In this interview for Pallium Magazine, Harris talks about what's inspired her to write over a hundred books on race for children and young adults, how she approaches discussions about race with her own kids, and her grandmother's contribution to NASA. >> Read now! (interview starts at pg. 50)