Justin Dunnavant, a Frederick native, has become a prominent figure in the field of archaeology, earning him the title of the Godfather of Black archaeology within certain circles.
At just 32 years old, Dunnavant boasts an impressive resume, having co-founded and presided over the Society of Black Archaeologists. His academic journey began at Gov. Thomas Johnson High School, where he graduated at the young age of 15 after skipping both the eighth and twelfth grades. He holds a doctorate and master’s degree in anthropology from the University of Florida, as well as two bachelor’s degrees in history and anthropology from Howard University. Additionally, Dunnavant is a Fulbright Scholar and fluent in five languages, including Arabic and Swahili.
Recently, Dunnavant’s work was highlighted in a partially animated segment on the Hulu series “Your Attention Please,” shedding light on his current project focused on the environmental impact of the slave trade. This project involves extensive underwater archaeological work with shipwrecks, showcasing Dunnavant’s commitment to exploring history through innovative methods.
Despite his personal successes, Dunnavant remains dedicated to encouraging young people to pursue archaeology, citing a lack of resources and engagement as barriers to entry for aspiring archaeologists.
For Dunnavant, archaeology is the perfect intersection of his passions for history and exploration. However, he acknowledges the scarcity of representation in the field, particularly among African Americans. Reflecting on his own experiences, Dunnavant recalls feeling isolated due to the lack of diversity in archaeology.
Raised in Frederick, Dunnavant’s intellectual curiosity was evident from a young age. Despite facing challenges, such as being recommended to skip a grade in elementary school, he maintained a thirst for knowledge that set him apart from his peers. This drive propelled him through high school and college, where he excelled academically and embraced opportunities for growth.
Dunnavant’s journey has not been without its obstacles, including the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of conducting fieldwork as an archaeological consultant for the Smithsonian, he has transitioned to virtual platforms like Zoom for his research and collaborations. Despite these changes, Dunnavant remains optimistic about the future of archaeology, citing increased collaboration and interest from major organizations.
As the legacy of the Society of Black Archaeologists continues to grow, Dunnavant takes pride in the expanding community of Black archaeologists. Since its founding in 2012, the organization has witnessed a significant increase in the number of Black archaeologists with doctorate degrees, a testament to Dunnavant’s dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion in the field.
Justin Dunnavant’s impact extends far beyond the confines of academia. His passion for archaeology and commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices have positioned him as a trailblazer in his field. As he continues to inspire future generations of archaeologists, Dunnavant’s legacy serves as a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and diverse archaeological community.
photo cred: Justin Dunnavant, National Geographic
