Empowerment – Black Women, Higher Education and the Politics of Representation

Discover how Black women academics are driving positive change in their communities by tackling pressing issues such as escalating knife crime and the persistent academic achievement gap faced by Black students. Through insightful research, Etienne and her colleagues delve into the transformative potential of women’s activism across generations, shedding light on the impact of Whiteness, discrimination, and colonial curriculum on schools, universities, and society. A compelling read for anyone passionate about social justice and empowering Black youth to overcome the barriers of racism.

Author Insights and Background

A Collection of Critiques from Various Reviewers

“This essential book gathers activists, practitioners, and academics across generations to redefine education’s role in fostering social change. It’s a profound exploration of radical care and the transformative power of Black women as healers of societal rifts.”

— Akwugo Emejulu, Professor of Sociology, University of Warwick

“At a crucial juncture, Jan Etienne’s work offers a unique perspective, drawing from womanist principles to highlight the invaluable contributions of Black women in higher education. Their collective efforts form a powerful narrative of resilience and solidarity against systemic injustice.”

“In this illuminating text, Black womanist/feminist academics underscore the urgent need for sustained antiracist activism. Their insightful analysis confronts the enduring legacies of anti-Black racism and white supremacy, paving the way for a more just and equitable future.”

— Shirley Anne Tate, Professor of Sociology, University of Alberta, Canada and Honorary Professor, CriSHET, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa

Overview of Key Topics Explored

INTRODUCTION: 1. Education for survival: Black lives and black women’s activism, by Jan Etienne; PART ONE: ACTIVISM INSIDE THE ACADEMY: 2. Black women in higher education: Politics of representation and community activism in the African diaspora, by Patricia Daley; 3. Aspiration, Exclusion and Achievement: Reflections on black educational inequalities in the UK, by Patricia Gilbert; 4. ‘Hello Trouble’: Black women academics and the struggle for change, by Cecile Wright; PART TWO: INTERGENERATIONAL VOICES – BLACK WOMEN RESPOND TO CRISIS AND BLACK YOUTH: 5. Black youth, loss of trust and the crisis of knife crime: Pursuing a Womanist strategy, by Palmela Witter; 6. Drill Music, Violence and Criminalization: Gendered [platforms] for resistance, by Jan Etienne and Ezimma Chigbo; 7. Pain, anger and youth resistance: Police racial awareness training and the contemplations of a black mother, by Lurraine Jones; 8. Educating Ryan: Black youth surviving a British Education system, by Jan Etienne and Dawn Joseph; PART THREE: BLACK WOMEN IN HIGHER EDUCATION, SUPPORTING AND COLLABORATING INTERNATIONALLY FOR CHANGE: 9. And they didn’t die: Black women and the silencing of activist voices, by Nombuso Mathibela; 10. Whiteness in denial: Promoting culturally specific conversations in higher education, by Jan Etienne, Jen Davis and Fyna Dowe; 11. Supporting black sisters in higher education: A question of Activism, by Uvanney Maylor; CONCLUSION: 12. Beyond Brexit: Black women in higher education, collaborating internationally for change, by Jan Etienne; Index