Jelani Cobb Biography: Wife, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Books

William Jelani Cobb is a prominent American writer, educator, and the current Dean of the Columbia Journalism School.

Since 2015, he has been a staff writer for The New Yorker, where his work primarily explores themes of race, politics, and history.

Cobb is the author of several significant works, including The Substance of Hope and To the Break of Dawn, and has earned numerous accolades, including the Sidney Hillman Prize.

Prior to his role at Columbia, he was an Associate Professor at the University of Connecticut and contributed to a wide range of esteemed publications.

Profile

• Full Name: William Jelani Cobb
• Stage Name: Jelani Cobb
• Born: August 21 1969
• Age: 55 years old
• Birthplace: Queens, New York, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: American writer and author
• Height: 1.78 m
• Parent: Willie Lee Cobb and Mary Bester Cobb.
• Siblings: 3
• Spouse: Unknown
• Children: Unknown
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1 million and $5 million

Early Life And Education

William Jelani Cobb was born on August 21, 1969, in Queens, New York, to Willie Lee Cobb and Mary Bester Cobb. He is the youngest of four siblings, though their names are not publicly known.

Cobb attended Jamaica High School in Queens before pursuing higher education at Howard University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English. He then completed his Master’s and Ph.D. in American History at Rutgers University, graduating in 2003. Of African American descent, Cobb practices Christianity.

Career

Jelani Cobb’s academic journey began at Howard University, where he became actively involved in activism and developed a deep passion for writing. During his early career, he contributed to various publications, including Washington City Paper and YSB Magazine.

After earning a Ph.D. in American History from Rutgers University, Cobb became an Associate Professor of History at the University of Connecticut, where he also directed the Institute for African American Studies.

His scholarship focused on post-Civil War African American history and 20th-century politics. His notable work, Antidote to Revolution, examined the intersection of civil rights and anti-communism.

In 2015, Cobb transitioned to The New Yorker as a staff writer, where his insightful essays have explored pressing issues, particularly those affecting African Americans.

His commentary on the Black Lives Matter movement and the complexities of American democracy has earned him numerous accolades, including the Sidney Hillman Award for Opinion and Analysis.

In 2016, Cobb was appointed the Ira A. Lipman Professor of Journalism at Columbia Journalism School and later became its dean. In this leadership role, he is shaping the future of journalism while continuing his own writing and advocating for journalistic integrity in the face of political polarization.

Cobb’s influential work includes books such as The Substance of Hope: Barack Obama and the Paradox of Progress and To the Break of Dawn: A Freestyle on the Hip Hop Aesthetic.

He has also contributed to various media projects and public speaking engagements, where he discusses the evolving role of journalism in addressing systemic injustices.

His journey from a working-class background to a prominent figure in journalism highlights his dedication to education and social justice. Through his writing and leadership, Cobb inspires future generations.

As dean of Columbia’s Journalism School, Cobb remains committed to making the field more inclusive and democratic, as he expressed in a 2022 interview with Politico Magazine.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @jelani1906

Personal Life

Jelani Cobb is married, though details about his spouse have not been publicly disclosed. While his professional accomplishments are well-documented, he keeps aspects of his personal life, including information about his family, private.

Net Worth

Jelani Cobb’s net Worth has not been publicly disclosed, but estimates place it between $1 million and $5 million. His income is derived from his positions as a staff writer for The New Yorker, dean of Columbia Journalism School, and author of several books. Additionally, his contributions to journalism and public speaking engagements further contribute to his financial standing.