Illinois Chemistry alumnus St. Elmo Brady (Ph.D., ’16) was the first African American to obtain a PhD in chemistry in the United States. More than fifty years after his death in 1966, Brady will receive the 2019 Sankofa Award from the University of Illinois Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

The Sankofa Award recognizes champions of diversity who made significant contributions to diversifying campus and whose stories of struggle, perseverance, and fortitude may not be widely known.

The award will be presented at the Celebration of Diversity breakfast on November 8, 2019, in Urbana, Illinois.

Earlier this year, the American Chemical Society also recognized Brady’s accomplishments by dedicating a National Historic Chemical Landmark in his honor.

Learn more about Brady and the landmark dedication here.