Robert Stark

ROBERT T. STARKS is an Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of the HAROLD WASHINGTON INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH AND POLICY STUDIES at Northeastern Illinois University’s Jacob Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies in Chicago. Professor Starks teaches several courses in Inner City Studies, Politics, and Economic Development. He is nationally regarded as an expert in analyzing African-American and African politics and has appeared on several local and national radio and television programs, including THE TODAY SHOW, NIGHTLINE, C-SPAN, CNN, CROSSFIRE, CHICAGO TONIGHT(WTTW TV CHICAGO) and UPFRONT WITH JESSE JACKSON. He is often quoted in national and local newspapers and magazines including THE NEW YORK TIMES, THE WASHINGTON POST, THE WALL STREET JOURNALand TIME MAGAZINE.

Professor Starks has also authored several articles which have been published in professional books, journals, and newspapers, including the article entitled, “Harold Washington and the Politics of Reform in Chicago; 1983-1987” that appeared in RACIAL POLITICS IN AMERICAN CITIES, edited by Rufus Browning, et al.

In addition to these achievements, Professor Starks remains quite active in several community and national organizations. He has served as Chairman and Spokesman for the Chicago Chapter of the FREE SOUTH AFRICA MOVEMENT, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the BLACK UNITED FUND OF ILLINOIS since 1990, and Chairman and co-founder of the TASK FORCE FOR BLACK POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT, which is a grassroots advocacy organization that played a major role in the election of Harold Washington Mayor of the City of Chicago. Professor Stark’s participation in local and national politics includes his tenure as political advisor to the late Mayor Harold Washington, and Issues Advisor to the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson. He authored the acclaimed “Million Man March Manifesto,” and has advised numerous political candidates including former Illinois Attorney General and now U.S. Senator, Roland Burris, John Stroger, Former President of the Cook County Board and many judicial candidates.

Mr. Starks, a Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow (1986-87), is in the process of completing the first draft of manuscript for a forthcoming book on the political life of Harold Washington. He lives in the South Shore community of Chicago with his wife Judith. The have two adult children, and one grandson.



ADDITIONALLY

He serves as Political Analyst and frequent host for WVON Talk Radio in Chicago.

He recently completed service as a member of the Editorial Board of the Political Science journal URBAN AFFAIRS QUARTERLY.

Presently he serves as columnist and political editor of N’DIGO Newspaper in Chicago.

He is a member of the Committee on the Status of Black in the Profession of theAmerican Political Science Association (APSA)

He is a member of the Graduate Assistance Program of the National Conference of Black Political Scientists (NCOBPS).