Curtis Stokes

Curtis Stokes, a beloved husband, professor, and uncle, passed away, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him. Curtis was deeply loved by his wife, Julie, with whom he shared a bond filled with profound love and devotion since their marriage in December of 2002.

Curtis was Professor Emeritus of Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy at James Madison College, Michigan State University, where he dedicated over three decades to teaching, scholarship, and advocacy. Known for his unwavering commitment to Radical Black political thought, Curtis influenced generations of students, colleagues, and the broader academic community. His passionate dedication to this field informed his teaching and inspired countless students to explore and understand the complexities of race, power, and justice. His advocacy for curricular transformation and the inclusion of Black political thought helped reshape academia at Michigan State University and beyond.

Born in Savannah, Georgia, and raised in Beaufort, South Carolina, Curtis grew up alongside his nine siblings under the guidance of his mother, Mrs. Rosa Lee Linnen. Growing up in the segregated South, where racial injustices permeated daily life, Curtis developed a keen awareness of the inequalities surrounding him. These formative experiences in a town marked by deep Confederate ties left a lasting impression, fueling his lifelong commitment to justice and equality. In the 1960s, like many young Black men of his time, Curtis saw the military as a path to opportunity and joined the Air Force. Stationed in Guam as a military policeman, he was deeply affected by the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the racial strife that ensued. This pivotal experience led him to leave the military and pursue a political science degree at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, beginning a career devoted to radical political thought.

Curtis earned his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor before joining the faculty at Michigan State University, where he became a powerful advocate for justice and equity. His work championed the inclusion of Black political thought in higher education, challenging institutions to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black intellectuals within the United States and globally.

Outside his academic pursuits, Curtis was an avid sports enthusiast and a proud supporter of his Michigan Wolverines. He especially loved football, cheering for Michigan and closely following the New England Patriots, particularly during Tom Brady’s years with the team. March Madness was another cherished time, and Curtis eagerly anticipated discussing his brackets and rooting for a Wolverines triumph.

Known for his thoughtfulness, kindness, and unwavering dedication to family, friends, and community, Curtis’s warmth and wisdom will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Curtis leaves behind a legacy of love, scholarship, and an enduring commitment to justice. His memory will be cherished, and he will be deeply missed.

A visitation for Curtis will be held Friday, November 1, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 East Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823. The funeral service will occur Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 2:00 PM at the Gorsline Runciman East Lansing Chapel, with the family receiving friends from 1:00 PM until the time of the service.