Tulane University Mourns the Loss of Dr. Selamawit Terrefe, Esteemed Scholar of African American Literature, Culture, and Racial Violence Studies: A Visionary in Interdisciplinary Research, Psychoanalysis, and Global Black Studies Leaves a Legacy of Intellectual Innovation and Compassionate Advocacy
Dr. Selamawit Terrefe, a distinguished professor at Tulane University and a preeminent scholar in African American literature and culture, passed away in October 2024, leaving behind a legacy that has profoundly influenced both her field and the lives of those around her. Known for her rigorous scholarship in African American studies and her deeply empathetic approach to examining racial violence, Dr. Terrefe’s academic journey was marked by a commitment to challenging dominant discourses and rethinking the nature of anti-Black violence on a global scale. Her unique interdisciplinary work brought together fields such as Global Black Studies, Critical Theory, Psychoanalysis, Gender and Sexuality, and Continental Philosophy, making her an integral voice in contemporary racial and social discourse.
During her time as the 2022–2024 Faculty Fellow for the Mellon “Just Futures” initiative at Williams College, Dr. Terrefe explored critical questions around race, violence, and the lingering trauma of racial slavery. Her passion for understanding and dissecting racial violence as an ongoing, global phenomenon helped reshape the frameworks within which scholars view these issues, bringing new perspectives and often uncomfortable truths to the surface. The news of her passing has sent ripples of grief throughout the academic world and among her students, who remember her not only as a brilliant academic but also as a compassionate mentor and colleague.
Academic Journey and Background
Dr. Selamawit Terrefe’s academic path was both ambitious and deeply reflective. Holding advanced degrees in literature, cultural studies, and psychoanalytic theory, she dedicated her career to exploring the complexities of race and violence. Her research interests were varied, reflecting her commitment to understanding the intersectionality of race with other forms of identity and social constructs. At Tulane University, she was known for her contributions to the English Department, where she taught courses that integrated complex theoretical frameworks with real-world issues of race, identity, and systemic violence.
Her work was particularly focused on racial violence and the ways it manifests across different societies, investigating why anti-Black violence has proven to be an enduring issue across cultures and generations. Her scholarship examined not only the psychological and sociological impacts of racial violence but also the philosophical implications of understanding race and violence through historical, economic, and psychoanalytic lenses.
Research Interests and Contributions
Dr. Terrefe’s body of work bridged various disciplines and showcased her profound intellectual curiosity. Her research encompassed Global Black Studies, where she examined the experiences of Black communities around the world. She argued that anti-Black violence was not confined to any one region but was instead a global phenomenon shaped by colonial histories, capitalist economies, and sociopolitical systems that reinforce racial hierarchies.
Within Critical Theory, she analyzed hegemonic narratives around slavery, racial oppression, and the African diaspora, challenging dominant perspectives and bringing lesser-known narratives to light. In her work on Psychoanalysis, she addressed themes of trauma and racialized fear, exploring how centuries-old systems of oppression continue to impact the collective psyche of Black communities globally. Her interest in Gender and Sexuality Studies enabled her to add depth to her research by analyzing how race and gender intersect within the context of violence and systemic oppression, highlighting the unique challenges faced by Black women and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Through her research, Dr. Terrefe often examined hegemonic concepts around racial slavery, especially the widely held view that slavery was an exclusive feature of the Western world or modern history. She argued that the implications of racial slavery stretched beyond these confines, deeply affecting societies globally and continuing to shape attitudes and policies to this day.
A New Framework: The ‘Semio(n)tics of Blackness’
One of Dr. Terrefe’s most groundbreaking contributions was her concept of the “semio(n)tics of Blackness.” In this work, she sought to theorize the ontics—or the fundamental nature—of Black existence and experience, specifically through the lens of Black maritime history and the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade. By focusing on what she termed the “ontic entity of the slave-in-flight,” she explored how the forced migration of African people continues to shape discourses on global Black identity and the notion of freedom.
Her research often engaged with Afro-futurist visual arts, which reimagine Black identity and history by placing them within speculative and alternative futures. Dr. Terrefe believed that these narratives offered a powerful counterpoint to the trauma of racial slavery by envisioning futures where Black identity is freed from the historical burdens of racial violence. Her unique approach added depth to the field of Afro-futurism by considering how visual arts and literature might allow Black individuals and communities to reimagine their identities outside the constraints of historical trauma.
Teaching and Mentorship
At Tulane University, Dr. Terrefe was more than just an academic; she was a mentor, guide, and advocate for her students. Known for her dedication to fostering critical thinking and her inclusive teaching methods, she encouraged her students to challenge assumptions, think independently, and engage deeply with the material. Her classes were intellectually demanding but also supportive environments where students felt free to explore difficult topics related to race, violence, and identity. Dr. Terrefe’s classroom became a space where students from diverse backgrounds could come together to discuss complex ideas and develop a better understanding of the world.
Her mentorship extended beyond the classroom, with many students seeking her advice and guidance on personal and professional matters. She was known for her empathetic approach and her ability to listen without judgment. Many of her students credit her with helping them find their voices, both academically and personally. Her dedication to her students and her commitment to social justice left a lasting impact on the Tulane community.
Legacy in the Field of African American Studies
Dr. Terrefe’s contributions to African American Studies were transformative. Her work challenged conventional theories and brought new perspectives to the field, particularly in her approach to understanding anti-Black violence. She argued that violence against Black individuals was not an isolated phenomenon but rather a symptom of broader systemic issues that span across nations and histories. Her interdisciplinary approach encouraged scholars to look beyond traditional narratives and consider how colonialism, capitalism, and racial oppression continue to impact Black communities worldwide.
Her insights into the concept of postcolonial melancholia—the lingering sadness and trauma following the end of colonial rule—brought a new understanding to discussions around racial violence. She believed that postcolonial societies, especially those in the Western world, often fail to address the psychological impact of colonialism on both the colonized and the colonizers. Her research highlighted how this unresolved trauma contributes to ongoing racial violence and tension.
Contributions to the Mellon ‘Just Futures’ Initiative at Williams College
Dr. Terrefe’s work as the 2022–2024 Mellon “Just Futures” Faculty Fellow at Williams College further showcased her commitment to racial justice and social equity. The Mellon “Just Futures” initiative was designed to address pressing issues of racial inequality and imagine a more just future. In her role as a Faculty Fellow, Dr. Terrefe led research projects and discussions focused on racial violence, systemic oppression, and the ongoing impacts of slavery.
During her fellowship, she collaborated with scholars from various fields, including sociology, history, and political science, to create a multidisciplinary approach to racial justice. Her work on the project emphasized the importance of understanding historical trauma and its lasting impact on contemporary society. Through this initiative, Dr. Terrefe was able to bring her expertise to a broader audience and contribute to meaningful discussions on how to address racial inequality in the modern world.
Personal Reflections and Tributes
Those who knew Dr. Terrefe remember her as a compassionate, intelligent, and dedicated individual who was deeply committed to her work. Friends, colleagues, and students have described her as someone who was always willing to listen, offer advice, and help others. Her warmth, kindness, and passion for justice made her a beloved member of the Tulane community and beyond.
Her passing has left a void in the academic world, but her work will continue to inspire future generations of scholars, students, and advocates. Her contributions to the study of race, violence, and identity have set a new standard for interdisciplinary research and will continue to shape the field for years to come. Her legacy as a scholar, teacher, and mentor will live on in the lives of those she touched and in the academic work she left behind.
In the wake of her passing, Tulane University and Williams College have announced plans to honor Dr. Terrefe’s legacy. Tulane University is exploring the possibility of establishing a scholarship in her name for students studying African American literature and culture, while Williams College has dedicated a lecture series to continue the work she began through the Mellon “Just Futures” initiative. Both institutions are committed to ensuring that her legacy of social justice, intellectual rigor, and compassionate mentorship endures.
Conclusion
Dr. Selamawit Terrefe’s passing is a profound loss to the academic community, particularly in the fields of African American Studies, Critical Theory, and Psychoanalysis. Her pioneering research, compassionate teaching, and dedication to social justice have left an indelible mark on her students, colleagues, and the broader academic community. Her work challenged traditional narratives and pushed the boundaries of what it means to study race, violence, and identity in a global context.
As the world mourns the loss of a brilliant scholar and a compassionate individual, Dr. Terrefe’s legacy will continue to live on through her groundbreaking research, her students, and the countless lives she touched throughout her career. Her contributions to the understanding of racial violence and her commitment to justice have set a new standard for academic excellence, and her work will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of scholars and activists.
