There are so many adjectives to describe Melissa Harris-Perry: intelligent, articulate, funny, engaging, and of course beautiful.  We are so honored to feature Melissa as our 50th profile here as we feel that she typifies everything we want to portray in Beautiful Black Women.  Although she has many "primary" occupations, many young people know her as Professor of political science at Tulane University where in addition to educating students she is also the founding director of the Anna Julia Cooper Project on Gender, Race, and Politics in the South.  In addition to her work at the University Professor Harris-Perry is a columnist for The Nation magazine and is also an author, having most recently published  "Sister Citizen: Shame, Stereotypes and Black Women in America" in 2011.

Recently Harris-Perry has garnered national attention as a guest commentator on MSNBC, providing analysis on multiple shows to include The Rachel Maddow Show and The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell.  Her insightful analysis, and smooth delivery has caught the eyes of producres and fans alike and her following has grown rapidly.  In fact, Harris-Perry was recently granted her own show, "Melissa Harris-Perry" which debuts on February 18, 2012.

It is rare to find a woman who encapsulates the combination of so many talents and stil maintains a sense of humility and the air of approachability.  Melissa Harris-Perry seems to do it effortlessly and thus it is no wonder that she has been rewarded with her own national platform.  Already a role model to thousands as an educator, we look forward to Harris-Perry expanding her reach to millions through MSNBC, her books, and the many causes she participates in.  Congratulations Melissa Harris-Perry and keep doing what you do!

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