Black Female Perspectives from Predominantly White Institutions: Strategies for Wellbeing in White Spaces and Beyond supports Black women working in predominantly White spaces and further educates their institutions, non-Black counterparts, students, and families in developing an understanding of the challenges and needs of Black women professionals. In the face of world challenges, the authors contend that anti-Blackness continues to be an infectious pandemic that is devastating Black lives around the globe. Black women professionals, who are often at the forefront of racial and gender justice movements at their institutions, have been especially burdened. Such devotion is daunting and often drains the wellbeing of Black women. Institutions frequently ignore the cry of racial battle fatigue that Black employees, and members of communities of color, are experiencing on a large scale. This has become a serious health risk for many Black people, particularly Black women professionals. The authors assert that it is important to use "for us by us" concepts when addressing racial battle fatigue. Therefore, this book is framed using several African descent-centered knowledge systems. It offers strategies to enhance the wellbeing of Black women, such as ancestral wisdom, addressing anti-Blackness, identities and female life cycles, and planting seeds grounded in love. Although the book focuses on Black women, it is encouraged reading for all. It is believed that greater awareness will spark greater change within our society.
Karen McLean Dade is professor emerita at Western Washington University and is CEO and founder of the Multicultural International Development Company, LLC.
Foreword Prologue Special Thanks Introduction Chapter One: Alafia and the Wisdom of the Ancestors, Karen McLean Dade Chapter Two: Wellbeing is an Academic Principle. Healing The Souls of our Institutions by Incorporating Person, Place, and Planet Using a Systems-level Framework, Sislena Ledbetter Chapter Three: Re/membering Myself: Knowing Who I Am and Who I Came From, Xyanthe Neider Chapter Four: The Unspoken Journey of Aging: Black Women's Journey into Menopausal Evolution, Dona Gudger Chapter Five: Being Beautifully Rooted is a journey toward establishing Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, Shari Robinson About the Contributors
Written by African American women who live or work in predominately White spaces, this book uses the seven principles of the Nguzo Saba to focus on Africanist wellbeing. Long-time educator and cultural activist Karen Dade and her colleagues bring readers along a journey of healing of generational trauma beginning in the time of forced migration, to enslavement, to the present era of racism and the assault on Black lives. This book is especially for Black women, but everyone, regardless of background, can benefit from the wisdom of the ancestors presented here. -- Sonia Nieto, University of Massachusetts-Amherst
