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Marcus Anthony Hunter
Marcus Anthony Hunter
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Marcus Anthony Hunter

UCLA

Los Angeles, CA USA

"The best way to accomplish what you’re trying to do is by tapping into the internal peace that is available to all of us."

Career Roadmap

Marcus Anthony's work combines: Education, Politics, and Teaching / Mentoring

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Day In The Life

Professor of Sociology and African American Studies

I help students and communities recognize their power, their stories, and their impact on the world.

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Day In The Life Of A Professor Of Sociology And African American Studies

My Day to Day

As a professor at UCLA, I weave history, music, and storytelling into my lectures, making complex topics come alive. Whether discussing reparations or the power of a smile, I challenge my students to think critically and embrace learning. Beyond the classroom, I research, write, and engage in activism—all fueled by my belief that education is a force for justice​.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    History and Sociology

    Columbia University

  • Bachelor's Degree

    African-American/Black Studies

    Columbia University

  • Doctorate

    Sociology

    Northwestern University

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life has been direct

  • 1.

    I grew up in a deeply Black household where music, culture, and history shaped my curiosity about society and human behavior.

  • 2.

    I initially planned to pursue law but discovered sociology in college, and realized I had a natural fluency in understanding societal structures.

  • 3.

    After undergrad, I taught high school English for two years, where my love for teaching and critical thinking truly took root.

  • 4.

    I earned my Ph.D. in sociology from Northwestern, diving deep into Black urban life and the historical impact of Black communities.

  • 5.

    While researching Black life in Philadelphia, I coined the hashtag “Black Lives Matter,” affirming Black people's role in shaping cities.

  • 6.

    My career took me from Yale to UCLA where I became a professor of sociology and African American Studies, focusing on activism and scholarship.

Defining Moments

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • I spent a lot of time away from family, starting with boarding school at 12 years old to my Ph.D. Each time I moved, I started at 0 community. This was a challenge but I also saw it as a creative opportunity to learn about the culture of that place.

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