Miscellaneous writings from my adventures in academia capin' for all. black. everything.
Market Madness
My unconventional journey along the tenure track has inevitably led me back to the arduous task of juggling a job search in addition to research and teaching. I admit, I have been an avid reader of advice columns and blogs about the academic market in recent years. I have had my share of horror … Continue reading Market Madness
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A Conscious Choice
My recent junket on the job market has brought forth many reflections on why I chose to pursue a career in academia in the first place. I think back to the moments in my education when I made conscious choices about what I would and would not do with my graduate training and career. … Continue reading A Conscious Choice
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Self-Esteem, or Channeling My Inner Nikki G.
A few weeks ago, I received a call from my sister in spirit Daaiyah Salaam. Daaiyah and I attended college together at Georgia Southern University (the real GSU) and were engaged in a number of social and cultural organizations. At the top of the list was the Black Student Alliance. Daaiyah served as President … Continue reading Self-Esteem, or Channeling My Inner Nikki G.
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My First Published Book!!!!
This week I completed reviewing my page proofs and creating the index. I have approved of the jacket copy and blush at the strong endorsements provided by scholars in the field. All that is left is for the manuscript to go to press!! I’m dreaming of the UPS man delivering my advanced copies in … Continue reading My First Published Book!!!!
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Let the Circle of Sista PhDs be Unbroken!
As I have continued to make my rounds at professional conferences, summer institutes, and various university campuses I have been overjoyed to learn of all the other thirty-something black female PhDs who are making waves in the academy! It’s always great to see a friendly face, but to make contact with a friendly face … Continue reading Let the Circle of Sista PhDs be Unbroken!
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Beyoncé as Black Feminist Subject
As part of the amazing and generative energy cultivated during the NEH Summer Institute, I signed on to contribute to a project on urban fiction in visual and popular forms. As the title probably informs you, I have committed to tackling Beyoncé Knowles and the “urban fiction” that has been created by her performance … Continue reading Beyoncé as Black Feminist Subject
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Single Black Female…..Mother.
I have heard much discussion about and have even experienced some of the difficulties of being a career-oriented woman. The balance of work and quality of life---which often means family—is not always easy to maintain. One has to consider if and at what point marriage and child-bearing (and the thankless task of childrearing) will … Continue reading Single Black Female…..Mother.
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Teaching a Literature Course Online??
So, it has finally happened. I am faced with the task of teaching a literary course online. I knew one day it would come to this, but I never imagined it would come so soon. Now, I know there are plenty of instructors who do this everyday. I know composition course are regularly taught … Continue reading Teaching a Literature Course Online??
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P[ublishin’] ain’t Easy
This week I received the copy edited version of my first book manuscript. I was exuberantly happy and excited to reach this point in the production process. I jumped right in to review the copy editor’s suggestions and queries—wondering if I was as good a writer and proofreader as I imagined. I mean, I … Continue reading P[ublishin’] ain’t Easy
