Blacktivism In the Academy 6.1 - You in community?
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Sep 4, 2025 Cherese and J.T. explore the essence of community in academia, sharing their own journeys with tenure and promotion. They discuss the importance of collaboration for Black scholars and the support they need to thrive in academic environments. The hosts delve into creating safe spaces for Black men to discuss masculinity, challenging traditional norms. They further examine the impact of patriarchy in the black community and reflect on nostalgic songs, intertwining pop culture with personal stories for a lively discussion.
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Community As Reciprocal Support
- JT defines community as reciprocal relationships where people share resources and support each other.
- He contrasts this with academy socialization into competition and values collective success.
Graduate Cohort That Lifted Each Other
- JT recounts his doctoral cohort (Eric Williams, Tamika Ferguson, Carl Darnell, Johanna Rogers) where they supported each other to graduate together.
- He uses that experience as a model for the kind of community he wants to build now.
Academy Structures Against Black Success
- Sharice and JT agree the academy isn't structured for Black faculty success due to individualism and systemic isms.
- Lack of representative mentors and institutional support compounds the challenge.