What Do You Call a Black Woman With a PhD? A N*****: How Race Trumps Education No Matter What

Abstract

The 16-year journey from being a doctoral student to a tenured Associate Professor as a Black woman has been eventful. This essay provides a peek into some of the unforgettable moments experienced by one Black female PhD during that journey. It highlights how having a PhD as a Black woman has not resulted in the same respect and reverence generally afforded to those who are White. It reminds us of the work that still needs to be done if we are ever going to be able to honestly say that the playing field is even. It is also a story of resolve and commitment, and how it can be possible to find new ways to contribute to improving outcomes for Black people, even when current events make doing so seem impossible.