Samuel K. Roberts

Samuel Kelton Roberts, Jr. is Associate Professor of History and Sociomedical Sciences. He writes, teaches, and lectures on African-American history, medical and public health history, urban history, issues of policing and criminal justice, and the history of social movements. His book, Infectious Fear: Politics, Disease, and the Health Effects of Segregation demonstrates the historical and continuing links between legal and de facto segregation and poor health outcomes. In 2013-14, Roberts served as the Policy Director of Columbia University’s Justice Initiative, where he coordinated the efforts of several partners to bring attention to the issue of aging and the growing incarcerated elderly population. This work led to the publication of the landmark report, Aging in Prison Reducing Elder Incarceration and Promoting Public Safety. He is currently researching the history of drug addiction policy and politics from the 1950s to the present.

Samuel Roberts leads the Historical Study of Race, Inequality, and Health Research Cluster and serves as an Advisory Committee Member.