UH Experts: Race Relations & Gun Culture

University of Houston (UH) experts are available to address topics related to race relations and gun culture in America. University professors can discuss America’s history of racism, the significance of black churches, the Civil Rights Movement, the politics of gun control and other topics. For assistance in reaching these experts, please contact University of Houston Media Relations.

AMERICA’S HISTORY OF RACISM
Gerald Horne
, professor of history: Horne’s research addresses the racism in U.S. history. He can discuss issues of racism as they relate to labor, politics, civil rights, international relations and war. He is the author of more than 30 books, including the premier study of civil unrest in Los Angeles in the 1960s, along with numerous books on slavery, the slave trade and Jim Crow.  He is available by phone and Skype. He may be reached at via email at geraldcharleshorne@gmail.com or 713-384-5648.

POLITICS OF GUN CONTROL
Richard Murray, professor of political science:
Murray’s academic focus on Houston and Texas politics, campaigns, elections, political parties, interest groups and public opinion. He can address the politics of gun control in the U.S. Murray can be reached at rmurray@uh.edu

POLITICS AND PREJUDICE
Nancy Beck Young, professor of history and chair of UH’s history department
: Young is a scholar of modern American politics. Her research questions how political ideology has changed over time. She has researched 20th century southern politics and is writing two books. One of the texts focuses on the 1964 presidential election that foregrounds the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as a key factor in that contest. The second book spotlights the shift from mid-20th century liberalism to late-20th to early-21st century conservatism. She can address how history informs the current politics of race, racism and gun control. Reach her at nyoung@central.uh.edu or 832-454-2443.

THE LAW AND POLICY OF GUN CONTROL
Melissa Hamilton, visiting scholar in criminal law and procedure at the UH Law School:
Hamilton can discuss the controversies regarding the legal interpretations of the Second Amendment and the political trajectories of gun rights and gun control over time. A former police officer and jail guard herself, Hamilton has insights into the police and correctional perspectives on ownership and use of deadly weapons in the U.S. Hamilton can be reached at mhamilt4@central.uh.edu or 512-569-8314.

SOUTHERN AND CONFEDERATE HISTORY
Eric Walther, professor of history:
Walther can discuss the history of the Confederate flag and its relationship to the south. Walther teaches courses focused on U.S. history in the 19th century and the Old South. He also has authored books on the Civil War including “Shattering of the Union: America in the 1850s.” Contact him at ewalther@uh.edu

GUNS AND VIOLENCE IN SOCIETY
Luis Salinas, professor of sociology:
Salinas can discuss the long-lasting social effects of tragic incidents such as the mass shooting attacks. Salinas statistical work on crime work with the UH Center for Immigration Research and the UH Center for Mexican American Studies at UH has resulted in publications on religion and family. Salinas is available for interviews in English and Spanish. Reach Salinas at 713-743-3957 or lsalinas@uh.edu