Dr. Karl D. Gregory, the first African American to recieve a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Michigan, passed away on May 26th, 2026. He was 95 years old. He leaves a legacy of academic excellence, personal sacrifice in the fight for civil rights, and of using his knowledge of economics to improve the fortunes of Black Americans both around the country and in his hometown, Detroit.

Before attending the University of Michigan, Dr. Gregory spent time in Kingston, Jamaica, before enrolling at Wayne State University at the age of 15. There, he discovered and dedicated his life to the study of economics. While at Michigan, he lived in Nakamura House, one of Michigan's cooperative housing options. After graduating from Michigan, he worked for the U.S. Office of Management and Budget and U.S. Congressional Budget Office. He also served as one of the earliest presidents of the American Economic Association. 

Dr. Gregory was intimately involved in the struggle for civil rights. When he was denied the opportunity to buy a home in a segregated suburb, he organized protests that helped spur the passage of the 1968 Civil Rights Act. He was also active in the Congress of Racial Equality and multiple Detroit-based civil rights organization.

One of Michigan's cooperative houses, Gregory House, was named to honor Dr. Gregory, who contributed funds to help purchase the house. He visited there just two months before his death along with his daughter to speak to members of the ICC community about their experiences and, of course, the economics of cooperative living.

For more information on Dr. Gregory's life and many accomplishments, please watch this video about the celebration of his 95th birthday in Detroit and read the official obituary.