Shani Mott, a Scholar of Black Studies at Johns Hopkins University, Dies at 47
Shani Mott, a prominent scholar of Black studies at Johns Hopkins University, passed away in Baltimore at the age of 47 after battling adrenal cancer. Her husband, Nathan Connolly, confirmed her death on March 12.
Dr. Mott was known for her groundbreaking work that extended beyond the confines of academia and into real-world issues of race and power in America. She believed in making scholarship tangible and relatable, urging her students to critically examine their backgrounds and the world around them.
Her research focused on the intersection of race and literature, particularly how American books reflected conversations about race allowed by cultural gatekeepers. She also delved into how big institutions shape discussions and experiences of race in the United States.
As an active member of the Johns Hopkins faculty, Dr. Mott was involved in projects that shed light on the university’s engagement with its workers and the majority Black city of Baltimore. She was a principal investigator for the Housing Our Story project, which aimed to amplify the voices of Black staff workers at Johns Hopkins.
In her personal life, Dr. Mott experienced firsthand the impact of systemic racism when she and her husband faced discrimination in a mortgage refinance process. This incident led them to file a lawsuit against the mortgage company, the appraisal company, and the individual appraiser involved.
Despite her battle with cancer, Dr. Mott continued to teach and engage in outside projects. In her final days, she gave an eight-hour deposition in the appraisal suit, showcasing her unwavering dedication to justice and clarity.
Dr. Shani Mott’s legacy as a scholar, activist, and advocate for racial equality will continue to inspire generations to come. She is survived by her husband and their three children.
