Bernard Powers
College of Charleston
Professor – History
Bernard E. Powers Jr. earned the Ph.D. in American history at Northwestern University and has worked in higher education for over thirty years. He is professor of history at the College of Charleston teaching courses in American, African American and African diasporic history. His first book entitled, Black Charlestonians: A Social History 1822-1885, was designated an “Outstanding Academic Book” by Choice Magazine. Dr. Powers is co-author of the recently released We Are Charleston: Tragedy and Triumph at Mother Emanuel, which contextualizes the racially motivated murders in that city during the summer of 2015. He has published book chapters and journal articles in his area of expertise and is currently researching black Methodism in South Carolina. Dr. Powers has appeared in African American oriented documentary films, including most recently the PBS production, The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross. He has also served as a board member or consultant to historic preservation organizations. Dr. Powers serves on the board of the International African American Museum (IAAM) which will be built in Charleston, South Carolina and chairs its Program Sub-Committee. IAAM is a unique museum and memorial site that identifies the most significant point in the Atlantic slave trade to North America.