45.036 - The Impossibility of Being the Right Kind of Black Woman in the Academy: Perspectives From Black Women Assistant Professors Not Waiting to Exhale

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

The impossibility of being the right kind of Black woman assistant professor is routinely left unaddressed in the advice, research, and practices that emphasize navigational strategies and blueprints for our survival. Further, some of these conversations place little to no accountability and emphasis on the institutions and people who inflict harm. This session addresses these gaps with an unapologetic focus on tenure-track Black women assistant professors, their unique vulnerabilities, and the impossibility of the expectations placed on them within their departments, field, and the academy as a whole.

Sub Unit

• Division G - Social Context of Education / Division G - Section 2: Differences and Intersectionalities

Chairs

• Cynthia A. Tyson, The Ohio State University - Columbus

• Constance Iloh, University of California - Irvine

Papers

• Taught to "Be Nice" but for What? Why Advising Untenured Black Women to Be Preoccupied With Impression Management Won't Help - Constance Iloh, University of California - Irvine

• "What More Do You Want From Me?" Recovering From Doing More Only to Get Less - Serena Johnson, California State University - Fresno

• "She Makes Me Feel Guilty for Being White": White Tears and the Untenured Black Woman Professor - Terri Nicol Watson, City College of New York - CUNY

Discussant

• Cynthia A. Tyson, The Ohio State University - Columbus