Education

M.A., Communications, Southern New Hampshire University
B.A., Mass Communications, Claflin University

Background

Deontré McCray is a strategic communicator and scholar whose research explores the intersections of media, culture, identity and representation. His work is particularly interested in how storytelling shapes understandings of Black life and culture, with interests spanning film, popular culture and other forms of mediated representation. Across his scholarship, he examines how media narratives construct, challenge and negotiate ideas about race, identity, power and belonging.

He brings a critical, people-centered lens to his scholarship, asking questions about whose stories are told, how those stories are framed and what those representations reveal about the cultures and communities from which they emerge. Across his academic and professional work, he is interested in creating space for deeper conversations about media, culture, advocacy and social change.

A native of the Lowcountry, McCray brings faith and resilience into everything he does. Outside of academia, he finds joy in cooking, binge-watching and embracing the art of a good playlist.

Research Interests

Black media studies; race and identity; film studies; religion and media; intergenerational communication

Pronouns

he, him, his, himself