Nandi Sojourner Crosby

Dr. Nandi Sojourner Crosby

Dr. Nandi Sojourner Crosby, known to her students as “Dr. Nandi,” is an accomplished Professor of Sociology, captivating public speaker, entrepreneur, and author. She has taught at California State University, Chico since 1999 and Butte College since 2008, focusing on social inequality, mass incarceration, and other pressing issues. From 2015 to 2018, she taught sociology as part of the Incarcerated Students Program in partnership with Feather River College.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Nandi has a deep-rooted commitment to social justice and has dedicated decades to supporting incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. Her unwavering passion has been demonstrated by volunteering, befriending, conducting research, and teaching about inmates across the nation. Dr. Nandi was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. Prior to becoming a professor, she worked as a correctional officer in a maximum-security prison for men. This transformative experience ignited her desire to bring about meaningful change through personal relationships with inmates. In her current work, she bridges the gap between theory and practice, empowering her students and shedding light on the profound impacts of gangs, racial inequality, gender, and the prison industrial complex.

Dr. Nandi’s insightful perspectives, including her inspiring TEDx talk, have resonated with audiences. Recognized as Chico State’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year in 2016, Dr. Nandi brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role as a professor. Dr. Nandi earned her B.A. in Psychology from St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Earning an M.A. in Africana Women’s Studies from Clark Atlanta University, she developed a profound appreciation of Black feminist thought and her own identity. She obtained a Ph.D. in sociology from Georgia State University in 1999.

As the founder of FreedomConscious Ink, Dr. Nandi’s private press is dedicated to amplifying the voices of incarcerated women and men through the publication of nonfiction essays and biographies. FreedomConscious Ink’s mission is to shed light on the often-overlooked struggles and triumphs of those affected by incarceration, fostering empathy, understanding, and meaningful change. By providing a platform for these voices to be heard, FreedomConscious Ink aims to challenge societal perceptions, break down barriers, and contribute to the broader dialogue surrounding restorative justice and second chances. Through their publications, FreedomConscious Ink strives to inspire compassion, advocate for equality, and empower both incarcerated individuals and the wider community to envision a more inclusive and just society.

She is committed to learning and teaching about the unique trials prisoners face, both within the confines of incarceration and upon their re-entry into society. She passionately believes in the inherent potential for redemption and advocates for a supportive and opportunity-driven approach from society. Guided by a deep understanding of the systemic issues leading to mass incarceration and recidivism, she actively promotes policy changes to reduce these problems. Her unwavering dedication to working with prisoners and overarching mission centers around harnessing her vast academic knowledge and lived experiences to enact meaningful change in the world, one student and one prisoner at a time.

Whether speaking to large audiences, engaging with students, or delving into the depths of the criminal justice system, Dr. Nandi Sojourner Crosby remains a beacon of hope and change. Her tireless efforts and dedication have positioned her as a prominent social justice and equality advocate.

Prisoners I Once Loved is a powerful testament to her commitment to social justice and the transformative power of empathy. She shares profound insights and personal anecdotes, encouraging readers to challenge their preconceptions and participate in the crucial conversations shaping our society.

Dr. Nandi finds joy in indoor gardening, arts and crafts, home décor, thrift store shopping, and embarking on global adventures. She has aspirations to write a book of comedy titled "Made Up Tales of Thrift Store Wedding Dresses."