"Scratching and Surviving": Critical Race Theory and Being a "Blackademic" in the Academy

• In Event: Critical Contexts for Reimagining Pedagogical Practices in Postsecondary Education

Abstract

In light of the endemic nature of racism and white supremacy in the academy, this paper uses critical race theory (CRT) to analyze the experiences and abuse of Black professors and graduate students at PWIs. First, the authors highlight and define the term Blackademic, contextualize the treatment of Blackademics on PWI campuses, and spotlight the racial inequity and racism. Finally, the authors provide a multi-vocal narrative from two graduate students and one professor to demonstrate the usefulness of CRT to higher education scholarship. This piece contributes a critical take on experiences of Blacks in higher education completing racially conscious work and the infringement on their academic freedom that is faced on micro and macro levels as a result of racism.

Authors

• Chaddrick James-Gallaway, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Jari Minnett, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Adrienne D. Dixson, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign