New Books in History Ethelene Whitmire, "The Remarkable Life of Reed Peggram" (Viking, 2026)
Mar 15, 2026
Ethelene Whitmire, historian and professor of African American Studies, unveils the life of Reed Peggram, a queer Black scholar who built a daring life in Europe before and during WWII. She discusses archival discovery, Reed’s vibrant letters and relationships, his wartime capture and escape, and the challenges of reconstructing hidden Black lives. The conversation highlights visuals, adaptation potential, and future research on African Americans in Denmark.
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From Dorchester To Harvard
- Reed Peggram rose from a working-class Black family in Dorchester to Harvard Phi Beta Kappa studying comparative literature and languages.
- His grandmother Laura Reed drove his ambitions, securing Boston Latin entry and pushing him toward Harvard despite modest means.
Brilliance Framed By Race At Harvard
- At Harvard Peggram was exceptional academically but always seen through a racial lens by professors who praised his intellect while noting race.
- He majored in comparative literature, studied French and German, and joined music and poetry clubs.
Rosenwald Fellowship Took Him To Paris
- Peggram secured a Rosenwald Fellowship to study decadence and 19th-century literature and finally traveled to France to pursue his doctorate.
- He embraced Parisian life, traveling extensively and savoring the cultural experiences he had long desired.
