Isabel Wilkerson Husband: Isabel Wilkerson is a well-known American journalist and author, best known for her groundbreaking books The Warmth of Other Suns and Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. As a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, she has made a significant impact in the field of journalism and historical literature. But beyond her professional achievements, many people are curious about Isabel Wilkerson’s personal life, especially her relationships. Keep reading to find out everything about Isabel Wilkerson’s husband, marriage, and personal life.
Isabel Wilkerson Bio

To better understand Isabel Wilkerson’s life, here’s a detailed overview of her biography:
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Isabel Wilkerson |
Date of Birth | 1961 |
Birthplace | Washington, D.C., USA |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | African-American |
Education | Howard University (Journalism) |
Profession | Journalist, Author, Lecturer |
Notable Works | The Warmth of Other Suns, Caste |
Awards | Pulitzer Prize, National Book Critics Circle Award |
Marital Status | Widowed |
Know About Isabel Wilkerson’s Husband?
Isabel Wilkerson was married to Brett Kelly Hamilton, an entrepreneur and engineer. The couple tied the knot in 2009 and remained together until Hamilton’s untimely passing in 2015.
Although Hamilton was not a public figure, he was highly respected in his field. He was known for his intelligence, kindness, and deep support for Wilkerson’s work. Unfortunately, he suffered from a rare brain tumor and had multiple surgeries before passing away due to complications related to seizures.
Wilkerson has openly spoken about how losing her husband was one of the most painful experiences of her life.
Isabel Wilkerson Husband Profession

Brett Kelly Hamilton was an engineer and entrepreneur. He worked in various technical and business sectors and was deeply passionate about innovation. Despite not being a public figure, his work left an impact on those who knew him personally and professionally.
Wilkerson and her husband shared a strong intellectual bond, often discussing social justice, literature, and historical issues.
About Isabel Wilkerson’s Marriage with Her Husband
Isabel Wilkerson and her husband, Brett Kelly Hamilton, had a loving and private relationship. They married in 2009 and lived together until Hamilton’s passing in 2015.
Although Wilkerson keeps her personal life largely out of the spotlight, she has described her late husband as a supportive and inspiring partner. His health struggles brought them closer together, and she cared for him through his illness.
Hamilton’s sudden death was a heartbreaking loss for Wilkerson, who has since dedicated much of her work to themes of resilience, history, and human connections.
Is There Any Past Affair of Isabel Wilkerson?
Before her marriage to Brett Kelly Hamilton, Isabel Wilkerson was married to Roderick Jeffrey Watts in 1989. However, details about their relationship are scarce, and there is no public record of her dating any celebrities.
Unlike many public figures, Wilkerson has always maintained a low-profile personal life, choosing to focus on her career and historical storytelling rather than making headlines for her relationships.
Isabel Wilkerson Family
Although Isabel Wilkerson does not have children, she comes from a notable family. Here’s what we know about her parents:
Family Member | Details |
---|---|
Father | Alexander Wilkerson (Tuskegee Airman, WWII Veteran) |
Mother | Name Unknown (Passed away in 2016) |
Husband | Brett Kelly Hamilton (2009–2015) |
Previous Husband | Roderick Jeffrey Watts (Married 1989) |
Her father, Alexander Wilkerson, was a Tuskegee Airman, a part of the legendary group of Black military pilots who served during World War II. This background of resilience and excellence shaped Wilkerson’s worldview and passion for history.
Isabel Wilkerson Career
Isabel Wilkerson is an acclaimed journalist and author, known for her deep research and powerful storytelling. Here are some of her career highlights:
- First African-American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize (1994) for feature writing.
- Author of The Warmth of Other Suns (2010) – A book that chronicles the Great Migration of African Americans from the South to the North.
- Author of Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents (2020) – A bestselling book that examines racial hierarchies in the U.S., comparing them to caste systems in India and Nazi Germany.
- Taught journalism at top universities including Princeton, Emory, Northwestern, and Boston University.
- Netflix adaptation of Caste – Directed by Ava DuVernay and set to be released soon.
Her work has shaped discussions around race, history, and social justice in the U.S. and beyond.
More Info About Isabel Wilkerson

- Wilkerson believes in the power of storytelling and often cites literary inspirations like Tolstoy.
- She describes her book Caste as “a prayer for humanity” rather than an argument.
- Despite her fame, she remains a private and humble person, focusing on her work rather than public appearances.
- She has received numerous honorary degrees and awards for her contributions to literature and journalism.
Isabel Wilkerson is not only a brilliant writer but also a person who has endured significant personal losses, including the death of her husband, Brett Kelly Hamilton. Despite this, she continues to inspire millions with her words, shedding light on history, caste systems, and the struggles of marginalized communities.