Contributions and Distinctions
Dr. Christian was a professor who helped to establish the African-American Studies department. She was the first black woman to receive a regular faculty appointment, the first black woman to receive tenure, the first black woman to receive the campus’s Distinguished Teaching Award, and the first black woman to chair a department. Her work has helped shine a light on major female authors. She fought for affirmative action. In 2000, she was awarded Berkeley’s highest honor, the Berkeley Citation.
Biographical Sketch
Barbara Christian (1943-2000) was born in St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands and grew up with a love of books and storytelling. She eventually moved to California for school and made it her home. Known for her warmth, approachability, and commitment to her students, Christian was a beloved presence at UC Berkeley, where she spent most of her adult life. Friends, colleagues, and students often described her as someone who brought generosity, clarity and community to everything she did.