Dr. Doris Derby was well-known for her role as an activist in the Civil Rights movement, especially in Mississippi, and as a photographer and artist who captured and conveyed the soul of the movement.  She received her PhD in Anthropology from the University of Illinois and was active in many cultural arts programs on campus.  In 2016, she was nominated for an award from the Alumni Association, and had visited campus several times in recent years. She donated $50,000 to the University of Illinois to support the student activities work of the Department of African American Studies and the Bruce Nesbitt African American Cultural Center. Contributions to support her legacy at UIUC can be sent to the Doris Derby Student Activities Fund, c/o University of Illinois Foundation.

For a summary of her life and work, click here.

Click here to read her obituary in the New York Times.

Report on the Dr. Doris Derby Endowment from the Department of African American Studies, University of Illinois

Dr. Doris Derby Nomination Letter for LAS Distinguished Alumni Award

Here is a photo of Dr. Derby with UIUC students and Dr. Bailey.