Dr. Scott was an eminent scholar, a dedicated professor, and a prolific writer. He will be remembered for his book The Sons of Sheba’s Race: African Americans and the Italo-Ethiopian War, 1935-1941. This book documented the experiences of Rabbi Arnold J. Ford and a group of Black Jews who attempted to form a community in Ethiopia prior to World War II. Dr. Scott conducted research for this book in Ethiopia, Harlem, and the United States National Archive. He interviewed  Rabbi Hailu Paris on several occasions and developed a deep admiration for our community.

Dr. Scott earned his B.A. from Howard University and his Ph.D. from Princeton University. He taught at the University of Wisconsin, Wellesley University, Harvard University, and Oberlin College. Dr. Scott founded the Africana Studies Program at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he taught until his retirement. While in Bethlehem he established a friendship with Rabbi Sholomo Levy, his colleague at Northampton Community College. Over the years, they often spoke about the historic contribution of Black Jews to African and African-American history.

For greater detail on Bill's life and achievements click the link below:

https://www1.lehigh.edu/news/memoriam-william-r-scott