Xavier Magazine: Spring 2016

Alumni TO WATCH Dr. Brian Purnell ’96

By Joseph Sweeney ’85 When I met 16-year-old Brian Purnell ’96 in my AP U.S. History class 21 years ago, I could tell he was destined for success. Many of my students understood the history they studied, but no one cared so much about it. Brian was enthralled by the genius of the great men and women we discussed and visibly upset by the injustices that pepper our history. Judging by the passion he showed then, I’m not the least bit surprised that he has become a leading scholar and educator in the field of U.S. history.

A professor of African-American and urban history, Brian (who earned his master’s degree and Ph.D. at New York University) is one of the foremost scholars of the Civil Rights Movement in New York City. The author of the prize-winning Fighting Jim Crow in the County of Kings, he is working on two other books at present—a biography of Jitu Weusi and a narrative history of African-Americans in New York City. He previously taught history at Fordham University, his undergraduate alma mater, and is now professor of history and Africana Studies at Bowdoin College, one of the nation’s top liberal arts institutions. In 2015, Bowdoin’s graduating class elected him to give the Sydney B. Karofsky encore lecture, an annual honor bestowed on the most outstanding member of the faculty.

When I asked him why he pursued a career in history, Brian first credited his classes at Xavier. He said he was inspired by teachers who challenged him to analyze events and develop a deeper, more personal understanding of them. Second, researching, writing, and teaching history is his expression of his patriotism: “I love my country, and I feel that it’s a real responsibility to understand our country’s past—both the good and the bad.”

Michael Partis, a former student of Brian’s who is currently completing his Ph.D. in anthropology, once told me a story of the scholarship, courage, and teaching skill that Brian brings to his classes. To me, he demonstrates the great pillars of Jesuit education—magis and cura personalis. “One memorable class session was a few days after the death of Sean Bell. This became a heated discussion between defenders of law enforcement and those who criticized racial profiling and state violence towards blacks. It was a stinging, contentious conversation. But at the end, we visibly and vocally respected each other. Dr. Purnell successfully steered us through the conversation because he was not fearful; he wasn’t held back because controversy could hurt his standing in the institution. He prodded us appropriately, pushed back when necessary, and created an environment of equality among us—a democracy dedicated to rigor, with respect for others. Dr. Purnell cultivated the potential inside his students.

He taught me that being a professor can be so much more than producing work for other scholars. That you could still be a scholar and touch the heart of people. His example still guides me today.”

A graduate of Dartmouth College and Indiana University, Joseph Sweeney ’85 began teaching history at Xavier in 1993. He has served as Dean of Students and Dean of Faculty during his years on 16th Street.

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