Black Women in Ivory Towers: Racism and Sexism in the Academy

Abstract

This chapter illustrates the ways in which higher education has legitimised and confirmed 'race' as a signifier of difference. It describes a wide variety of forms of personal and institutional racism, illustrates the ways in which such a social location both constrains the identities of black students, researchers and staff and provides a limited space for creative empowerment and strategies of resistance. The chapter draws exclusively upon the author's life history and through this reflective autobiography, using situated knowledge, Cecily Jones is able to illustrate the changing sense of self which is integral to her move from mature student to black academic. It illustrates the ways in which racial differences are constructed within higher education through forms of racism and the consequent foregrounding of a personal and political racialised identity. In their everyday interactions within and outside academia, many Black women intellectuals have constantly to face resistance from those in positions of power who perhaps feel their interests threatened.