David Levering Lewis

Date of Birth: May 25, 1936

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Biography

David Levering Lewis is a distinguished American historian known for his extensive work on African American history, particularly his two-volume biography of W.E.B. Du Bois, which won him the Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography in both 1994 and 2001. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, Lewis spent his early years in various parts of the United States before attending Fisk University, where he received his B.A. in history and philosophy. He later earned a master’s degree from Columbia University and a Ph.D. from the London School of Economics. Lewis has held prestigious academic positions at several universities, including Harvard, Rutgers, and currently at New York University, where he is the Julius Silver University Professor and Professor of History. His scholarship extends beyond Du Bois, covering a range of topics from the Harlem Renaissance to Islamic Spain.

5 Interesting Facts about David Levering Lewis

1. Lewis is one of the few historians to have won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography twice.

2. His father, John Henry Lewis, was the president of Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia.

3. He published his first book, “King: A Critical Biography,” in 1970, about Martin Luther King Jr.

4. Lewis’s work often explores the intersections of race, class, and politics in American history.

5. He was awarded the National Humanities Medal in 2009 by President Barack Obama.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from David Levering Lewis

1. “History is not just a chronicle of events; it’s the explanation of them.”

2. “In many ways, W.E.B. Du Bois was a prophet for our times.”

3. “The quest for racial justice is a never-ending journey.”

4. “Understanding the past is the key to navigating the future.”

5. “The Harlem Renaissance was a pivotal moment in American cultural and intellectual history.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

David Levering Lewis’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $1 million, primarily from his academic positions, book sales, and speaking engagements.