Candis Watts Smith

About the Author

Candis Watts Smith is a distinguished political scientist and author whose work bridges the gap between academic inquiry and public discourse on race and democracy in America. Holding a PhD from the University of Virginia, she serves as an associate professor at Penn State University, where she teaches courses on American political behavior and racial inequality. Smith's research, informed by her deep engagement with Black political thought and social movements, has been widely published in leading journals and featured in outlets like The New York Times and NPR. In her acclaimed book, Stay Woke: A People's Guide to Making All Black Lives Matter, she offers an accessible roadmap for understanding and advancing racial justice, drawing on historical context, contemporary activism, and practical strategies to empower communities. Through her writing and scholarship, Smith continues to illuminate the complexities of identity, power, and equity in the pursuit of a more just society.