New York University honours Sir Hilary

The UWI Regional Headquarters, Jamaica, W.I., Monday, September 28, 2026 — The University of the West Indies (UWI) proudly announces that its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, has been appointed Distinguished Scholar for 2026-2027 by New York University (NYU). Sir Hilary will be hosted by NYU’s Centre for the Study of Africa and the African Diaspora, led by acclaimed scholar Professor Michael Gomez.

In responding to the honour, Vice-Chancellor Beckles expressed gratitude, stating, “This is a valued expression of fellowship, especially as the Centre is renowned for its outstanding scholarship and research. In 1994, I was a visiting scholar at NYU’s Centre for Latin American and Caribbean Studies and was succeeded by Professor Kamau Brathwaite. Being back at NYU after 32 years, now among leading scholars of African history, will be special.”

As Distinguished Scholar, Sir Hilary will deliver a public lecture on October 13, 2026, entitled “The Economics of Wealth Creation: Why Enslaved Black Women Were the Financial Core of the Slavery Business Model.” The event will be held at NYU Silver Centre, Hemmerdinger Hall, New York City, beginning at 5:30 pm. For more information and registration, visit https://csaad.nyu.edu/event/chattel-like-cattle-enslaved-women-as-perfect-property/.

This latest accolade follows in a series of prestigious international recognitions for Vice-Chancellor Beckles, including his selection as the Honorary International Historian of the Year by the Association of American Historians in 2022 and his role as Chancellor’s Distinguished Professor-at-Large at Cornell University. Each not only celebrates Sir Hilary’s impactful scholarship and leadership on the world stage, but also continues to raise the global profile of The University of the West Indies, reflecting its commitment to excellence, international collaboration, engagement, and important scholarly dialogue.