Lester K. Spence

About the Author

Lester K. Spence is a distinguished scholar and author whose incisive critiques of contemporary politics have reshaped discussions on race, economics, and power in America. A professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Spence draws from his deep expertise in urban studies and African American political thought to challenge dominant narratives. In his seminal work, Knocking the Hustle: Against the Neoliberal Turn in Black Politics, he dismantles the insidious ways neoliberalism has infiltrated Black political movements, advocating for a radical reimagining of community empowerment and economic justice. Spence's writing bridges academia and activism, inspiring readers to question systemic inequalities and pursue transformative change. With a career spanning numerous essays, lectures, and public engagements, he continues to influence progressive discourse on equity and resistance.