James R. R. Grossman

About the Author

James R. R. Grossman is a distinguished historian and author whose work illuminates the profound social transformations of twentieth-century America. With a focus on African American history and urban migration, he explores the human stories behind seismic shifts in society. His seminal book, Land of Hope: Chicago, Black Southerners, and the Great Migration, chronicles the epic journey of Black Southerners to northern cities during the early 1900s, revealing the dreams, struggles, and resilience that defined this pivotal era. Drawing from extensive archival research and vivid narratives, Grossman's scholarship bridges academic rigor with accessible storytelling, earning acclaim for its depth and empathy. A longtime curator and director at the Newberry Library in Chicago, he continues to influence historical discourse through his insightful analyses of race, labor, and community in the United States.