A discussion based around the book “Counternarratives from Women of Color Academics: Bravery, Vulnerability, and Resistance” with Eric Grollman (University of Richmond), Manya Whitaker (Colorado College), Alessandra Bazo Vienrich (Davidson College), Robbin Chapman (Harvard University). Moderated by Saida Grundy (Boston University)

Room 4-370

The new co-edited anthology, Counternarratives from Women of Color Academics: Bravery, Vulnerability, and Resistance contains essays and creative works by 28 women of color academics who redefine what it means to be successful in academia, who stand up against injustice in academia despite the risks, and who leverage their positions in university to advance diversity and inclusion in higher education. 

Academic bravery challenges the status quo, crosses boundaries and breaks new ground. In essence, being a brave academic entails refusing to prioritize self-serving interests at the expense of knowledge production and social justice. Rather than avoiding risky endeavors to protect one’s position and status, a brave academic uses her position, status and expertise to effectively advance knowledge and equity, despite the risks.

The anthology, and this panel, seeks to counter the discourse that women of color are solely tokens and victims of marginalization in academe. Women of color academics have leveraged their professional positions to challenge the status quo in their scholarship, teaching, service, activism, and leadership. By presenting reflexive work from various vantage points within and outside of the academy, contributors document the cultivation of mentoring relationships, the use of administrative roles to challenge institutional leadership, and more.

This panel will feature the co-editors of the anthology: Eric Grollman (University of Richmond) and Manya Whitaker (Colorado College) in addition to two contributors: Alessandra Bazo Vienrich (Davidson College) and Robbin Chapman (Harvard University).

Co-sponsors: GCWS, UMB Anthropology, UMB Africana Studies, UMB WGSS, Tufts WGSS, BC Lynch School of Education and Human Development, BU WGSS