Taxed for the Public Good: Black Faculty, Agents of Change in a Creative Class City

• In Event: Thinking About Race and Teaching at Predominantly White Institutions

Abstract

This qualitative study uses cultural taxation (CT) as a framework to examine how thirty Black faculty at a research-intensive PWI navigate professorial roles and their engagement in both campus and community in a context where racial cleavages exist. Findings revealed the multifaceted nature of participants' CT, the stresses of being among the first Black intellectuals resistant students encounter, and the need to mentor students of color. Significantly, participants challenged the categorization of CT as a burden. The authors extend the conceptualization of CT to encompass both institutional and community contexts and situates participants as powerful change agents through their diversification of curricular and student experiences, and make recommendations to institutional leaders to support the work of invested Black faculty.

Authors

• Richard J. Reddick, The University of Texas - Austin

• Beth E. Bukoski, University of Louisville

• Jessica Jimenez, The University of Texas - Austin

• Stella Smith, The University of Texas - Austin

• Patrick Valdez