I am a visual and cultural historian. I write nonfiction about freedom centering Black women as icons of liberation and autonomy. My books explore culture through still and moving images. Currently, I am working on The Pictorial Life of Harriet Tubman, a book that explores the visual history of the abolitionist, as well as a creative nonfiction work on single women and travel.

My most recent book, New Growth: The Art and Texture of Black Hair, considers the concept and portrayal of "natural hair." Through an exploration of hair clippings, slave narratives, scrapbooks, travel illustrations, documentary films, photography, and fine art, I offer a long view of the cultural and textural significance of Black hair.

My first book, Picture Freedom: Remaking Black Visuality in the Early Nineteenth Century, looks to images to investigate early ideas about emancipation and African American citizenship before the 13th Amendment. In addition to books, I write commissions as well as consult on exhibitions, curate public programs and offer workshops that explore art, cultural identities, and archival collections.

I am the Earl D. McLean Jr. Professor of African & African American Studies and Art, Art History & Visual Studies at Duke University and a fellow at the National Humanities Center. I earned a PhD at the University of Pennsylvania.