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Sharpe Thinking
by Neil Armstrong
photography by Rachel Eliza Griffiths
Christina Sharpe, a professor at York University and a leading voice in Black studies, has been named a 2025 Killam Prize laureate for her exceptional contributions to the humanities. The award, one of Canada’s most prestigious academic honours, includes a $100,000 prize and celebrates scholars whose work has had a transformative impact across disciplines.
Sharpe’s research examines Black diaspora experiences through literature, art and theory, reshaping conversations about race, identity and belonging. Her work has earned international recognition for its innovative approach and its ability to challenge conventional narratives. The Killam Trusts describe her as “one of the most influential voices shaping Black studies today.”
The Killam Prizes are awarded annually to Canadian scholars who demonstrate sustained excellence in research across five fields: engineering, health sciences, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences. Funded through Dorothy J. Killam’s legacy, the National Killam Program has provided more than $1 billion to support higher education in Canada since its inception.
At York University, Sharpe has spearheaded The Alchemy Lecture, an interdisciplinary series designed to foster new ways of thinking about complex issues. Previous lectures have explored themes such as borders, human itineraries and collective dreaming. Each lecture is expanded into a book published by Knopf Canada; this year’s theme focuses on sound and its intersections with history and imagination.
Sharpe believes this recognition highlights the importance of humanities scholarship at a time when such programs face increasing challenges. “Receiving a Killam Prize bolsters the work we do in Black studies and the humanities – work that is crucial to imagining other ways of being in the world,” she said.
Bernard F. Miller, KC, managing trustee of the Killam Trusts, praised this year’s laureates for their contributions to advancing Canadian research. “Now more than ever,” Miller says, “their work is needed to foster innovation and collaboration across disciplines – core pillars of Killam values.” ■
