Calvin Bell III is a first-year Ph.D. student in Philosophy at Northwestern University as a Beinecke Scholar. Calvin’s intellectual interests are deeply rooted in political theory and social philosophy. His research seeks to explore the Black aesthetic tradition, Black intellectual and political thought, critical theory, legal theory, and ideas of resistance and utopianism.
What excites you about philosophy?
I believe that philosophy has the power to illuminate the conditions of our existence and offer imaginative tools for building more just and humane worlds. As an undergraduate, I was fortunate to be shaped by the Africana and Black intellectual traditions, studying the philosophies of figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Howard Thurman, Benjamin Elijah Mays, and many others. These thinkers taught me to view philosophy not as an abstract discipline but as a living, breathing practice of critique, hope, and transformation.
At Northwestern, my doctoral coursework has allowed me to expand and deepen my horizons, engaging with theories of resistance, Foucault’s concept of biopolitics, Alain Locke’s cultural philosophy, and Plato’s Republic. Each of these engagements has helped me grow not only as a scholar and philosopher but also as a pragmatic thinker committed to bridging theory and practice. Philosophy excites me because it demands critical rigor and creative vision and insists that another world is always possible.
What are you most proud of in your professional life?
As a burgeoning interdisciplinary scholar, I try to balance my academic scholarship and sociopolitical engagements. In undergrad, I was a double major in political science and philosophy, which helped manifest this duality. Thus, the summer before starting my doctoral program, I had the opportunity to produce public-facing articles at the Brookings Institute on policy issues ranging from the impact of sporting events on metropolitan cities to how banning critical race theory could hinder the environmental justice movement. Moreover, I was a part of the building process for an initiative at Brookings called Wellness in Black Life, which focuses on addressing ideas of well-being for Black men and boys in the U.S.
Where is your favorite place you have ever traveled and why?
During my junior year at Morehouse College, I spent two weeks in South Africa with peers and professors a part of the Oprah Winfrey South Africa Leadership Program. Our group traveled to Johannesburg, Pretoria, Pilanesberg, Durban, and Cape Town, immersing ourselves in the rich food, culture, and traditions each city offered. As part of our academic experience, we visited several universities, including the University of Johannesburg, the University of Western Cape, the University of Cape Town, and the University of Pretoria, engaging in meaningful dialogue with students and faculty. We also had the humbling opportunity to volunteer at the Mahou Center Orphanage, which supports children orphaned by AIDS.
Through visits to historic sites and organizations dedicated to preserving the legacy of apartheid and promoting reconciliation—such as the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Apartheid Museum, and the Leah and Desmond Tutu Foundation—we gained a deeper understanding of South Africa’s extraordinary history. These experiences and conversations with residents illuminated striking parallels between our experiences as Black Americans and the sense of belonging cultivated by Black South Africans.
If you could have a one-hour conversation with any philosopher or historical figure from any time, who would you pick and what topic would you choose?
If afforded the opportunity, I would love to be in community with Alain Locke—philosopher, “Dean” of the Harlem Renaissance, and founder of Howard University’s philosophy department—to discuss the beauty of the Harlem Renaissance and the evolution of contemporary Black art forms.
What do you like to do outside of work?
My love for the Black aesthetic tradition shines through whenever I shop for vinyl records, go to concerts to see my favorite artists, dance to DJ sets, or visit art galleries. I also enjoy thrifting and expressing my personality through my fashion. Moreover, I am a big sports fanatic—from football to baseball and basketball—and cheer on Philadelphia sporting teams (Go Birds!). Lastly, I enjoy meditation, trying delicious cuisines, and traveling to new places.
What books are currently on your ‘to read’ list?
Over the summer, I will be a part of a reading group that will discuss a few recently published works, including Race, Time, and Utopia (William M. Paris, 2025) and The Emotions of Nonviolence (Meena Krishnamurthy, 2025). On the other hand, I plan to finish reading Erasure (2001) by Percival Everett during my spare time.
What’s your favorite quote?
In Between the World and Me (2015), Ta-Nehisi Coates writes to his son, “You are growing into consciousness, and my wish for you is that you feel no need to constrict yourself to make other people comfortable.”
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