If They Don't Give You a Seat at the Table, Bring a Folding Chair: My HBCU Faculty Experiences

Abstract

The author reflects on her journey to becoming a Black female full professor at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Additionally, she summarizes the research on the successes and challenges for women professors, Black professors more broadly, and Black female professors, more specifically, to contribute to a deeper understanding of the positionality and stance of Black women professors. Although HBCUs are higher education institutions where Black female professors achieve tenure in the greatest percentages, the author highlights the intersection of race and gender and the unfortunate gendered power dynamics in these spaces that frequently place Black female faculty at a disadvantage. The chapter concludes with strategies for Black women professors to survive and thrive in academia, in general, and at HBCUs, more specifically.

Citation

Thomas, V.G. (2024), "If They Don't Give You a Seat at the Table, Bring a Folding Chair: My HBCU Faculty Experiences", Walker, B.L. (Ed.) Journeys of Black Women in Academe (Diversity in Higher Education, Vol. 26), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 103-120. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-364420240000026006