Pellom McDaniels III, curator of African American collections, passed away suddenly April 19. McDaniels, who earned his PhD at Emory after a career in the NFL, is remembered for “his life’s work to elevate and celebrate African American history.

Pellom McDaniels III was a multifaceted artist whose career spanned professional sports, academia, and cultural preservation. McDaniels first gained public attention as a professional football player in the NFL, playing primarily for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Atlanta Falcons. After retiring from sports due to health issues, he pursued an academic career, earning both a Master of Arts and a PhD in American Studies from Emory University​.

At Emory, McDaniels became the faculty curator of African American collections at the Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library, where he was celebrated for his dedication to expanding and curating the library's collections. His work focused on African American history and culture, contributing significantly to the academic and local communities by organizing public programming, exhibitions, and engaging in community outreach​.

McDaniels' scholarly work included significant contributions to the understanding of African American athletes, the role of sports in American culture, and the representation of African Americans in art and media.

His approach to curating and scholarship was influenced by his experiences as an athlete, where he learned to be analytical and forward-thinking. This approach allowed him to expose and correct misconceptions about disenfranchised communities and to ensure that more accurate representations of African American history and culture were accessible​.