I am a visual and cultural historian. My books explore women and popular culture through with 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 travel.

My most recent book, New Growth: The Art and Texture of Black Hair, considers the concept and portrayal of "natural hair." Through critiquing 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 essays as well as consult on exhibitions, curate public programs and offer workshops that explore art, cultural identities, and archival collections.

I earned a PhD at the University of Pennsylvania. I am Professor of Art, Art History, and Visual Studies, as well as Professor and Associate Chair of African & African American Studies at Duke University.