Going into the dissertation phase is scary. Heretofore, it is the most important thing a graduate student has ever written. Sadly, for many students of color and women, there is just no good advice out there and mentors are hard-to-find or do not exist. It depends on the department and…

As a person of color or a woman, accept that you may be writing your dissertation alone. There may not be a wonderful reading circle to read and discuss your first, second, or third drafts with. You may not have a faculty mentor who is willing to direct your research…

The recent high-profile cases of Black women in academia being denied the tenure and promotion that they were clearly qualified for made me rethink my own academic experiences. They. Were. Horrible. When people are racist in the Ivory Tower, they show it ever-so-slightly, and you are expected to die intellectually….but…

Earlier this week, I wrote that we need to revisit Reconstruction. That blog turned into a prequel. Today, I am posting the follow-up. I do not own the copyright to the video posted below, and I am not seeking to make money by its posting. …

I work in an area with a legacy of cotton-picking and Parchman Penitentiary. Unfortunately, the figure of the overseer and the straw boss dominate “leadership” styles in all facets of life. I have a unique view of life because of the geographies of my living areas. As a child, I…

Dear Reader, after a MONSTER summer cold, I am back to posting regularly. This time, I want to talk about Reconstruction and why we need to revisit it. And I’m also going to shamelessly plug one of my new books. Dear Reader, thank you for stopping by once again. I…

Every now and then, I have to do something technical. I don’t like it, the students don’t like it, and class seems to linger. But writing is work; sometimes we have to roll up our sleeves and tackle the not-so-exciting portions. I am a published writer. But I have a…

The Supreme Court recently dismantled federal protection for a safe abortion, and remanded that power to the states. The states gave America Black Code Laws and after Reconstruction, they gave America Jim Crow. Dear Reader, thank you for dropping in if you are new. If you are a return reader…

As a long-term college instructor, I am accustomed to the weekend beginning on Thursday. I don’t know about you, but I like to go into my weekends a little light-hearted. We can get back to work when Monday morning comes. By the way, I do not own the copyright or…