Kevin Costner’s The West
May–July 2025
Biography of Dr. Yohuru Williams
Dr. Yohuru Williams is Distinguished University Chair, Professor of History, and Founding Director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas. A nationally recognized historian, author, and public scholar, his work explores the intersections of history, democracy, civil rights, and public memory while helping communities use history as a tool for civic engagement and social change.
He is the author, co-author, and editor of eleven books, including Black Politics/White Power: Civil Rights, Black Power, and the Black Panthers in New Haven; The Black Panthers: Portraits from an Unfinished Revolution; Teaching Beyond the Textbook; Call Him Jack: The Story of Jackie Robinson, Black Freedom Fighter; More Than a Dream: The Radical March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, which was longlisted for the National Book Award for Young People's Literature; Afterlife: A Collective History of Loss and Redemption in Pandemic America; and Rethinking the Black Freedom Movement.
In addition to his scholarship, Dr. Williams is an accomplished documentary historian and media commentator. He is the co-creator, co-executive producer, and featured historian of Paradox: Echoes of Police Reform, a Twin Cities PBS documentary examining the history of policing, public safety, and reform in Minneapolis. He has also served as a historical advisor and featured scholar for PBS's Jackie Robinson and The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution and has appeared in nationally broadcast documentaries and series including PBS's Great Migrations: A People on the Move; Blacks and Jews: An Interwoven History and the History Channel's The West; The American Presidency; and Jim Thorpe: Lit by Lightning. His historical analysis has been featured on CNN, ABC, MSNBC, NPR, BET, C-SPAN, and other national media outlets.
Through his scholarship, documentary work, teaching, and community partnerships, Dr. Williams seeks to connect the lessons of history to the challenges of building a more just, informed, and inclusive democracy.
Dr. Williams is a frequent contributor to History Channel documentaries and documentary series, including The American Presidency with Bill Clinton, The Great War, Kevin Costner's The West, Jim Thorpe: Lit by Lightning, The Food That Built America, The Toys That Built America, The Engineering That Built the World, and History's digital series Sound Smart. He has also served as a historical advisor and featured scholar for PBS's Jackie Robinson and The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution and appeared in PBS documentaries including Blacks and Jews.
Contact Us
For availability for media inquiries, keynote speaking events, custom presentations, please reach out to:
Sara Cotter | Director of External Relations
sara.cotter@stthomas.edu
"Watch any high-end historical documentary and you’ll see Dr. Williams of the University of St. Thomas as he is THE go-to voice on American history."
–Cory Hepola, Vice President of Communications, Growth, and Strategy at The Brookshire Co., TV anchor, host, and documentarian
History Channel: Kevin Costner's "The West"
Dr. Williams appeared in the History Channel's eight-part docuseries, Kevin Costner's "The West". Premiering this past Memorial Day, it explores the American West from a variety of angles, offering an original take on an epic part of our history.
King: A Life (Young Adult Edition)
This past January, the young adult version of "King: A Life" was published. Originally written by Jonathan Eig, Yohuru Williams and Michael G. Long adapted this story to inspire younger audiences by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s incredible life and enduring legacy.
Introducing the "Ghost of a Chance" podcast
Dr. Williams is featured in the This captivating series takes listeners on an intimate journey into Minnesota’s past through the experiences of Harry and Clementine Robinson. Check it out on , , , or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Dr. Williams' Appearances
Secrets Declassified with David Duchovny: Unholy Alliances
June 6, 2025
Jim Thorpe: Lit by Lightning
July 7, 2025
Paradox: Echoes of Reform and the Minneapolis Police
October 21, 2025
Jane Elliott Against the World
January 27, 2026
Sundance and Minneapolis Film Festivals/documentary
Various screenings throughout the country
Black and Jewish America: An Interwoven History
February 17, 2026
History’s Greatest Warriors
March 30, 2026
This Land
June 14–28, 2026
Ralph Lauren’s American Icons
July 4, 2026