The Hanes Walton, Jr. Career Award: Celebrating Excellence in Political Science
The Hanes Walton, Jr. Career Award is a prestigious honor bestowed by the American Political Science Association (APSA), recognizing the monumental contributions of scholars in the realm of racial and ethnic politics. Established to honor the legacy of its namesake, this award highlights the vital work that enhances our understanding of diversity and intergroup tolerance within democratic societies. Each recipient of this award embodies a commitment to scholarship that sheds light on the complex interplay of race and politics.
Recognizing Outstanding Scholarship
The award aims to acknowledge political scientists whose extensive research has made a significant impact on the field. This year, the award committee has chosen Professor Katherine Tate, a luminary in the study of African American politics and Black public opinion. Her work has critically shaped the discourse surrounding race-related political behavior, particularly within the U.S. Congress.
Contributions to Black Political Behavior
Professor Tate’s scholarly portfolio is rich and diverse, underscoring her expertise in African American political dynamics. One of her hallmark works, From Protest to Politics: The New Black Voters in American Elections, published in 1993, is a foundational text that dissects the evolution of Black voter behavior following the historic Voting Rights Act of 1965. This pivotal work has not only garnered nearly 1,400 citations but has become a staple reading in political science curricula, marking her as a key figure in the exploration of race and electoral politics.
Landmark Research Initiatives
In addition to her acclaimed publications, Professor Tate played a pivotal role as a co-principal investigator for the National Black Election Survey. Conducted in 1988 and again in 1996, these surveys stand as some of the most comprehensive public opinion polls focused on Black voters in the United States. This groundbreaking research further solidified her status as an authority in understanding the political landscape affecting African Americans.
A Legacy of Academic Excellence
The enduring impact of Professor Tate’s work is evident not only in her publications but also in her collaborations with esteemed colleagues, leading to vital contributions to pivotal texts such as African Americans and the American Political System. Her explorations into the workings of Black political presence and behavior in Congress are exemplified in her acclaimed book, Black Faces in the Mirror, African Americans and Their Representatives in the U.S. Congress. This work, nearly echoing the acclaim of her previous writings, has been cited around 1,000 times, reinforcing her status as a pioneering voice in the field.
Additional Honors and Recognitions
In 2023, Professor Tate was further recognized for her extraordinary contributions with the Barbara Sinclair Legacy Award from the APSA Legislative Studies Section. This award acknowledges a scholar who has dedicated a lifetime to the significant study of legislative politics, thus aligning her work with the legacy of Hanes Walton, Jr. This recognition by APSA highlights her esteemed place within the scholarly community and her continued influence in the field.
An Academic Trailblazer
Katherine Tate serves as a Professor of Political Science at Brown University. Equipped with a robust academic background, she holds a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and a B.A. from the University of Chicago. With seven published books to her name, including the award-winning Black Faces in the Mirror and From Protest to Politics, her scholarship encompasses a wide array of topics, including public opinion, government, and the politics of minorities and women.
Her latest collaborative work, Gendered Pluralism, published by the University of Michigan Press, continues her trajectory of scholarly excellence, while another co-authored book, Black Voices in the Halls of Power, is currently in press. Through her teaching and research, Professor Tate is actively shaping the next generation of political scientists, demonstrating the importance of understanding the complexities of race in political discourse.
Acknowledgments
In recognition of the committee’s efforts, APSA extends its gratitude to the distinguished members: Dr. Danielle Clealand (Chair) from the University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Michael Minta from the University of Minnesota, Dr. Camille Burge from Villanova University, and Dr. Ray Block from Pennsylvania State University. Their commitment to celebrating scholarship in political science is invaluable in honoring exemplary figures like Professor Katherine Tate.