This book is groundbreaking and unique. The emphasis is on Black faculty based in the US and UK working in predominately White universities. The scholars in this volume are all successful in their chosen fields, some are extremely successful.  Yet they have reached the heights of victory in academia against tremendous odds, existing in Integrated but Unequal institutions of higher learning. They have overcome hurdles, the glass ceiling, and other impediments that have a historical reality related fundamentally to their human connections to African heritage.

This volume is not for the timid who believe we are in a post-racial world. Rather it is for the realist who comprehends that we still have a long way to go before there is parity among all faculty in higher education, regardless of one's social background, color, gender, or philosophical grounding.  Crucially, it is a book for students, faculty, and high-level administrators in higher education.

“This collection of scholarly articles on the experiences of faculty of color at predominately white institutions (PWI) of higher learning is profound in its ‘truth-telling’ about the challenges and triumphs of these experiences.  The wonderfully illuminating title of this edited volume suggests the paradoxes of the modern civil-rights movement for equity and inclusion, vis-à-vis the illusion that in the Obama era our society has become race neutral.   Quite the contrary, this collection reaffirms that ‘race matters!’  This is an excellent book for any person of color who may be considering a faculty position at a PWI; and for any university administration that earnestly wants develop a welcoming and nurturing environment for faculty of color.”

– Terry Mills, PhD, Dean for Research and Director of Sponsored Programs Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA

“Having taught in higher education since the 1980s, I can state from experience that the testimonies in this book are basic truths, unfortunately representing the tip of the iceberg for Black faculty.  Regarding the low percentage of Black male scholars, unquestionably the primary targets for the dominant culture, it is important to note that the Black woman today has become the New Black Man, the recipient of cruel racial discrimination, frequently accused of being, like her male counterpart, threatening and intimidating.  That stated, this evocative book is relevant both inside and outside of higher education...”

—Clenora Hudson-Weems, Professor, Department of English, University of Missouri-Columbia

“In this book, the contributors describe the continuing challenges involving race and gender in academia. The subtle bias, continuing skepticism about the legitimacy of Black Studies, and other race and gender-related issues are obstacles to professional growth and development. However, this is not a book about victims; it celebrates the success of black academics that have surmounted the many challenges encountered. The keen insights that the contributors provide makes this book an engaging and much needed addition to the existing literature.”

—Leland Ware, Louis L. Redding Chair and Professor of Law & Public Policy, University of Delaware

ABOUT THE EDITOR

MARK CHRISTIAN is Professor and Chair of African & African American Studies, Lehman College, City University of New York. He has written extensively on themes and perspectives relating to the African Diaspora UK & US experiences. His work in the fields of Sociology & Africana Studies has an emphasis on combating racialized domination in many of its various forms.

CATEGORY

Sociology, History, Politics, Education /AFRICA & AFRICAN DIASPORA