Alumni Spotlight, Dr. Bernard Powers
Bernard Powers graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1972 with a History major and Philosophy minor. Dr. Powers is currently the Director at the Center for the Study of Slavery in Charleston, and Professor Emeritus of History for the College of Charleston. As the director of the Center for the Study of Slavery Dr. Powers works to ensure their mission of studying the impact of slavery and race-related issues in the Charlestown area is properly carried out.
“I have lived in Charleston, SC, an Old South city with a long history and deep traditions. Because of this especially I realize how much of what the writer James Baldwin said about the past is accurate. He asserts that history is not only about the past but it is principally about the present because history is embedded in us and therefore shapes our identity, ideals, and values today.” -Bernard Powers
Authored by Matthew Venske, History and Chemistry double major, class of 2021.