Derick Bell's Influence on the Development of Critical Race Theory

• In Event: Architects of History: Rethinking the Power of Individuals in Education

Abstract

Derrick Bell is often considered the godfather of critical race theory because his influence contributed strongly to the development of this theory. This paper focuses on the events that led him to develop ideas that support critical race theory. Some of these events include the problems he investigated when he was a young attorney for the NAACP and the topics he explored during his career as an academic. This paper highlights Bell’s beliefs about how various aspects of American society had contributed to racial inequalities. Bell’s conclusions influenced the development of critical race theory because he believed that reform aimed at alleviating racial injustices had failed to reduce many inequalities.

Author

• Hani Morgan, University of Southern Mississippi
  Presenting Author