Why Sociology?
Some Well-Known Sociologists
Michelle Obama-Lawyer, Executive Director For Public and Global Affairs For Chicago, First African-American First Lady of the United States, Former U.S. Congresswoman
Shirley Chisholm of New York-the first African-American woman elected to Congress and first major party (Democratic) candidate for President.
C. Wright Mills-a Texan who deemed himself "a born troublemaker" and, as a professor of sociology at Columbia University, rode to work each day in leathers on a motorbike. He wrote The Sociological Imagination, rated one of the top two most influential books in sociology by the International Sociological Association.
Frances Fox Piven-Past President of the American Sociological Association and cofounder of SERVE (Service Employees Registration and Voter Education), which became the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. She was awarded the Eugene V. Debs Foundation Prize and the President's Award of the National Public Health Association
Steve Nash-NBA basketball player for the Phoenix Suns, 6 times NBA all-star, founder of many charitable organizations for children, and named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential persons in the world.
Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. -Nobel Peace Prize
Emily Balch-Nobel Peace Prize (social worker and organizer)
U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords of Tuscon, Arizona
U.S. Congresswomen Maxine Waters of Los Angeles, California
Saul Bellow-novelist (Nobel and Pulitzer Prizes in Literature)
Suzanne Malveaux-CNN White House Correspondent
Pete Seeger-Songwriter and political activist who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
James Blunt-Musician, songwriter and war hero who was nominated for 5 Grammies
Robin Williams-Actor and Comedian
Dan Aykroyd-Actor and "Blues Brother"
Ronald Reagan-Former actor, Governor of California, and President of the U.S.
Former U.S. Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan-Ambassador to United Nations and to India. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Saul Alinsky-Founder of Modern Community Organizing; he received the Pacem in Terris Peace and Freedom Award.
Amad Rashad-Former NFL football player and sportscaster
Joe Theisman-Former NFL football player and sportscaster
Alonzo Mourning-Former NBA basketball player and first to have jersey retired by Miami Heat
Craig Robinson-Oregon State Basketball Coach and elder brother of Michelle Obama