To Know Is Only a Place to Begin: Letting Our Lives Speak to Move the Academy and Beyond

Session Submission Type: Invited Session

Abstract

What does it mean to be African American, LBGT, and a leader in the academy? The overarching goal of this panel discussion is to examine the multiple dimensions and perspectives held regarding the roles that Black LGBT men and women who occupy leadership positions within contemporary higher education. A secondary goal is to broaden the understanding of survival techniques and concepts of resilience held by Blacks regarding their own sense of multiple identities while developing ways of being as leaders. These identities encompass the intersections of both a personal and professional standpoint that is often shrouded by historical legacies that impact the political, social, and economic climate of most people of color in the United States. Participants will share their wealth of knowledge as leaders and experts in higher education and gender issues of how to survive and thrive at being authentic in the academy.

Sub Unit

• Presidential Session

Chair

• Judy A. Alston, Ashland University

Participants

• Judy A. Alston, Ashland University

• Richard Greggory Johnson, University of San Francisco

• Lemuel W. Watson, University of South Carolina

• Wanda J. Blanchett, University of Missouri - Kansas City