Dalen Wakeley-Smith writes and teaches about race, ethnicity, and migration in the 20th century.
Wakeley-Smith’s research focuses on the history of American Roma (often problematically called Gypsies) in the United States. His current book project entitled “Gypsy Madness": American Roma, Immigration Regimes, and Race in New York City explores the history of Romani immigration, racialization, and representations in New York City. His work shows the way Americans embraced the “Gypsy” stereotype while policing Romani people and destroying Romani homes and businesses. The history of American Roma in New York highlights the power of discretionary policing, urban “renewal” projects, and popular culture during pivotal moments of immigration, urban containment, and social exclusion. Wakeley-Smith teaches courses at Washington University about American immigration, racial formations, popular culture, and urban history.
Wakeley-Smith has authored articles for the Journal of American Ethnic History and Critical Romani Studies. He is currently working on a chapter for an edited volume, The Romani Atlantic, and helps run a Queens based educational and cultural arts non-profit called Rom Sam Yehk (We Are One) www.romsamyehk.org. Before coming to Washington University Wakeley-Smith was a Global American Studies Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard University. Wakeley-Smith earned his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in Anthropology and History.