Sisters of the Academy : Emergent Black Women Scholars in Higher Education

There are disturbing trends in the continued under-representation of African American women in higher education, especially their attainment of post-baccalaureate and graduate degrees. This is an issue of major concern nationally, for the Black community, and for leaders in higher education. The fifteen scholars who contribute to this volume trace the trajectory of Black women in education, with a particular focus on higher education. These scholars combine research and personal narratives to explore educational issues ranging from historical accounts of Black female teachers in the nineteenth century, to the challenges and triumphs of being an activist researcher at the turn of the twenty-first century. The essays in this volume address specific historical, social, cultural, political, and academic issues that affect Black women in the academy, and provide readers with tangible examples of how these scholars have transcended some of the challenges in their pursuit of academic excellence. While these essays do not claim to provide the "magic solution" or a "how-to-guide" to success in higher education, they do raise thought-provoking issues that are critical to the success of Black women in higher education. This book uncovers issues, and proposes remedies, which will be of vital interest for anyone concerned with diversity and equity in higher education. It celebrates emergent scholars of African descent, who have used the challenges they have encountered in their journeys through the academy to create opportunities for success. Contents......Page 6 Preface ......Page 9 Acknowledgments ......Page 12 Introduction: Soaring Beyond Boundaries ......Page 14 1. Fear of Miscegenation: Black Women Educators in Columbus, Ohio, (1898-1909) ......Page 24 2. Black Women in the Academy: An Historical Overview ......Page 50 3. In Search of a Theoretical Framework ......Page 64 4. Success in the Ivory Tower: Lessons from Black Tenured Female Faculty at a Major Research University ......Page 78 5. The Dual Role of Scholar and Social Change Agent: Reflections From Tenured African American and Latina Faculty ......Page 102 6. Coming to Terms with Being a Young, Black Female Academic in U.S. Higher Education ......Page 114 7. Invisible Women: The Experiences of Black Female Doctoral Students at the University of Michigan ......Page 126 8. Breaking the Silence: Racial Identity Development of Post-Baccalaureate African American Women ......Page 138 9. From the Classroom to the Field: Teacher, Researcher, Activist ......Page 160 10. Race, Jacks, and Jump Rope: Theorizing School Through Personal Narratives ......Page 172 11. Sufficiently Challenged: A Family's Pursuit of a Ph.D. ......Page 182 12. Unwritten Rules of the Game ......Page 196 13. Not an Honorary White: Conducting Research During the Days of Apartheid ......Page 204 Epilogue: Leaving a Lasting Impression ......Page 228 Index ......Page 230 Fear Of Miscegenation: Black Women Educators In Columbus Ohio, (1898-1909) / Adah Ward Randolph -- Black Women In The Academy: An Historical Overview / Alicia C. Collins -- In Search Of A Theoretical Framework / Jennifer E. Obidah -- Success In The Ivory Tower: Lessons From Black Tenured Female Faculty At A Major Research University / Mary V. Alfred -- The Dual Role Of Scholar And Social Change Agent: Reflections From Tenured African American And Latina Faculty / Gloria D. Thomas -- Coming To Terms With Being A Young, Black Female Academic In U.s. Higher Education / Lisa D. Williams -- Invisible Women: The Experiences Of Black Female Doctoral Students At The University Of Michigan / Rochelle L. Woods. Breaking The Silence: Racial Identity Development Of Post-baccalaureate African American Women / Dionne A. Blue -- From The Classroom To The Field: Teacher, Researcher, Activist / Cynthia A. Tyson -- Race, Jacks, And Jump Rope: Theorizing School Through Personal Narratives / Melanie Carter -- Sufficiently Challenged: A Family's Pursuit Of A Ph. D. / Lesa M. Covington Clarkson -- Unwritten Rules Of The Game / Brenda Bjjarmon -- Not An Honorary White: Conducting Research During The Days Of Apartheid / Thandeka Joyce F. Kirk. Edited By Reitumetse Obakeng Mabokela And Anna L. Green. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. When Mabokela (education, Michigan State U.) arrived in the US for post-graduate studies, she found that women of African descent labored under disadvantages that reminded her of apartheid in her native South Africa. As part of the struggle to overcome those barriers, she collects the experiences of 15 emerging African-American women scholars in education and related fields. Some look at the history of black women in the academy, while others consider a theoretical framework, coming to terms with conditions, racial identity, and other aspects. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR Traces the trajectory of Black women in education, with a particular focus on higher education. This book explores educational issues ranging from historical accounts of Black female teachers in the nineteenth century, to the challenges and triumphs of being an activist researcher at the turn of the twenty-first century. In the nineteenth century, educated Black women were primarily teachers (Perkins, 1987).