In Memorium: Ira Berlin, 1941-2018.

This afternoon we joined his family and friends to say goodbye to a beloved colleague and friend, Ira Berlin. His scholarship is legend in the field of slavery. And I am especially indebted to Ira for his interest in Birthright Citizens. He was the first to comment on an early article with a characteristic “You’re onto something!” And his field defining Slaves Without Masters was the counterpart always simmering under my prose. My best memories of Ira and his beloved wife Martha are of time we spent together in France. In Paris, where we spent a long night hearing the sounds of Nantes’ Fete de la Musique, and shoe shopping along the rue Cherche Midi for shoes. The memorial at the National Museum of African American History and Culture was a fitting tribute, and featured the moving sounds of the University of Maryland Gospel Choir. RIP, dear Ira.