We're Not OK
Black Faculty Experiences and Higher Education Strategies

Explores racial inequity within higher education, and its impact on the inclusion, retention, and mental health of Black faculty.

Antija M. Allen (Edited by), Justin T. Stewart (Edited by)

9781009073561, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 5 May 2022

250 pages
22.8 x 15.1 x 1.4 cm, 0.4 kg

'… a crucial read that will fill the gap in the current literature and discourses taking place in the field of higher education … Essential.' Y. Ding, Choice

In the United States, only 6% of the 1.5 million faculty in degree-granting postsecondary institutions is Black. Research shows that, while many institutions tout the idea of diversity recruitment, not much progress has been made to diversify faculty ranks, especially at research-intensive institutions. We're Not Ok shares the experiences of Black faculty to take the reader on a journey, from the obstacles of landing a full-time faculty position through the unique struggles of being a Black educator at a predominantly white institution, along with how these deterrents impact inclusion, retention, and mental health. The book provides practical strategies and recommendations for graduate students, faculty, staff, and administrators, along with changemakers, to make strides in diversity, equity, and inclusion. More than a presentation of statistics and anecdotes, it is the start of a dialogue with the intent of ushering actual change that can benefit Black faculty, their students, and their institutions.

Introduction: Breaking Our Silence Antija M. Allen
Part I. Experiences – The Journey from Student to Faculty: 1. Why Are You Talking White? Code-Switching in Academia Justin T. Stewart
2. Classroom Dynamics: Uncovering hidden truths while Black Shaquille O'Neal Marsh
3. Systemic Racism, the Known Secret Facing African-American Adjunct and Full-Time Faculty in Higher Education Regina Banks-Hall and Olivia Miller
4. I'm A Black PhD, and I Still Have to Fight! Antione D. Tomlin
5. Surviving Higher Learning: Micro-invalidations of Black Junior Faculty in Higher Education Derrick Robinson, Tempestt R. Adams, Brian K. Williams, Nakeshia N. Williams
6. How Race Impacts Teaching Returning Adult Students Antija M. Allen
Part II. Promoting Mental Wellness: 7. Promoting Mental Wellness among Black Faculty: Strategies for Coping Narketta Sparkman-Key and Shuntay Z. Tarver
8. Preserving Mental Health of Black and Brown Professors in Academia Anica Camela Mulzac
9. Testimonials of Exodus: Self-Emancipation in Higher Education through the Power of Womanism Jean Swindle and Larissa Malone
10. Defying Odds and Certainty: Challenges and Approaches to the Retention, Inclusion and Resilience of African-American Women in Higher Education Teri Platt
11. Black Talent: Practical Retention Strategies Tyra M. Banks
12. Carrying a Black Woman's Burden: Provoking Perspective Taking for Action in Predominantly White Academic Space Kathy-Ann C. Hernandez
13. Programs with Promise Antija M. Allen, Justin T. Stewart, Nyesha James
Conclusion: The Road that Lies Ahead.

Subject Areas: Teacher training [JNMT], Educational psychology [JNC], Philosophy & theory of education [JNA]