02/19/2025
Dr. Matthew Holden, Jr. was one of the sharpest minds to come out of Mississippi. Born in Mound Bayou, his brilliance took him around the country—teaching at top universities, shaping how we think about race and politics, and even working under the Carter Administration. He was the first Black person appointed to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, but his impact went far beyond that. His books, his lectures, and his mentorship opened doors for so many who came after him. He wrote books that challenged how we think about race and power, and he gave back, donating his massive personal library to Jackson State.
We had the honor of interviewing him for Promised Land Documentary, where he broke down Isaiah T. Montgomery’s vision like only he could. We participated on panels with him, humbled by how much he knew and how willing he was to share it.
Black history isn’t just the past—it’s people like Dr. Holden who spent their lives making sure we understood where we came from and what’s possible. His name should be spoken alongside the greats.
Rest well, Dr. Holden.
