Jodi Barnes

About the Author

Jodi Barnes is a distinguished archaeologist and scholar whose work illuminates the intricate intersections of history, culture, and human resilience. With a PhD in anthropology, she has dedicated her career to excavating the tangible remnants of postemancipation societies, revealing how everyday objects and landscapes embody the ongoing struggle for freedom and identity. Drawing from extensive fieldwork in the American South and beyond, Barnes blends rigorous academic inquiry with accessible storytelling to challenge conventional narratives of the past. Her research not only enriches our understanding of African American history but also underscores the enduring materiality of liberation in shaping modern societies. A sought-after speaker and educator, she continues to inspire through her commitment to ethical archaeology and social justice.