The soon-to-be released book In the Name of Blackness: The Untold History of Black Name-Identity and Nameism in American Culture by Dr. Sherman Gillums Jr. offers a comprehensive exploration into the cultural and social dynamics surrounding Black-sounding names in the United States. This work introduces and elaborates on the concept of “nameism,” a term coined by Dr. Gillums in his 2024 University of Dayton study. Nameism is defined as the biases and discrimination faced by individuals based on names that reflect their American cultural identity and African heritage, providing an unprecedented lens into how names function as both personal identifiers and markers of social identity.
While name-based bias is not unique to the Black community, the phenomenon of nameism as examined in this book is distinctly American and particularly relevant to Black identity. Dr. Gillums situates this discussion within a sociohistorical framework, tracing the origins and cultural significance of distinctively Black names and the challenges they have posed in a society that has often resisted or stigmatized such expressions of identity. The book argues that Black names are more than mere labels; they are symbols of pride, resistance, and cultural resilience that continue to persist despite ongoing prejudice and stereotyping.
Dr. Gillums’ background as an adjunct professor within the University System of Maryland and his over two decades of experience in public policy and social advocacy underpin the depth of this research. His work has consistently centered on elevating unheard voices in areas such as human rights, quality healthcare, and mental health awareness. His research titled “Beyond the Label: The Psychosocial Cost of Nameism for Students with Distinctively Black Names in Interracial Learning Environments” was recognized as a finalist for the 2024 Carnegie Project award, highlighting the academic and social relevance of his contributions.
In the Name of Blackness is distinctive for its scholarly contributions to socio-onomastics—the study of names and their societal implications. It introduces key concepts such as “name-identity threat” and society’s “opportunity gatekeepers,” terms which describe how names can influence perceptions and access to opportunities. This framework links historical inflection points with current social realities, showing how Blackness as a social construct shapes the lived experiences of many Black Americans through the lens of naming conventions.
The book emphasizes that names serve as an individual’s primary interface with society, shaping both external perceptions and internal self-identity. Dr. Gillums highlights the dual role of names as deeply personal yet socially constructed entities that influence how individuals are perceived and treated in everyday life. As he states, “Distinctively Black names are hyperlinks to the hidden history we share that incessantly runs in the background of our everyday existence.” This perspective positions Black names as gateways to understanding broader historical narratives often overlooked in mainstream discourse.
Unlike other works that may address Black naming practices from cultural or linguistic perspectives, Dr. Gillums’ research uniquely connects naming to structural social dynamics and historical context. It underscores the enduring nature of nameism as a social challenge while offering insight into why Black names continue to serve as powerful expressions of identity despite their stigmatization.
Dr. Gillums’ academic credentials include graduate studies at the University of San Diego, a doctoral degree from the University of Dayton, and executive education from Harvard Business School. His experience blends rigorous scholarship with practical advocacy, positioning him as a leading voice in contemporary discussions on identity, culture, and social equity.
This book invites readers to consider names beyond their surface-level functions and recognize them as central to the ongoing narrative of Black American history and identity. It provides a foundation for further research and dialogue around how names shape social realities and offers a framework to understand the complex interplay between personal identity and societal perception.
In the Name of Blackness: The Untold History of Black Name-Identity and Nameism in American Culture contributes a significant scholarly voice to conversations about race, identity, and culture in America and will be available on June 24th through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major retailers.
For further information and updates, Dr. Sherman Gillums Jr. can be followed on LinkedIn at Sherman Gillums Jr. LinkedIn and on Instagram at @sgillumsjr2025.
