This dissertation examines the careers of African American women faculty at Michigan State University from the 1960s through 2009. In mid-1960s, during the height of the Civil Rights Movement and the Women's movement, the first generation of African American females gained employment as faculty members at Michigan State University. This study illuminates the obstacles which African Americans confronted and overcame in East Lansing during this tumultuous period. Moreover, this dissertation examines the coping mechanisms employed by some Black female faculty who encountered institutional racism and sexism on multiple levels at MSU. Finally, I highlight the careers and intellectual women who broke through racial, sexual, and class barriers to become successful scholars in the academy.Black women faculty members worked towards equality of opportunity and social justice accomplishments of African Americans in and out of the classroom. They contributed to changing curriculum and created diverse approaches to learning about race, class, gender and the experiences of other ethnic groups. Outside of the walls of the ivory tower, a number of Black women professors participated in community building by working in social, civic and religious organizations. It is important to note that several scholars published books and essays that sought to assist the African American community on local, national and international levels. Some of the works include books on the African Diaspora by Ruth Simms Hamilton, African American Women's History by Darlene Clark Hine, African American Language by Geneva Smitherman, the Black Family by Harriette Pipes McAdoo, Children's Literacy by Patricia Edwards and Religion by Jualynne Dodson.The data used for this study include: essays of Black female faculty; Affirmative Action Records; Board of Trustees Minutes; examination of Almanacs of the Chronicle of Higher Education; Association of Academic University Professors (AAUP) documents and reports; examination of local and regional newspapers - Lansing State Journal, The State News, The Michigan Chronicle, and Detroit Free Press; unpublished writings, and other relevant historical materials relating to the MSU community during the 1960s to 2009. This dissertation illuminates some of the concerns, challenges as well as barriers broken down by MSU's Black women faculty. Implications for future research suggest that Michigan States' climate, race relations, and the institutionalized mentoring of junior scholars must improve in order to increase retention of Black women faculty. This historical study of the life stories and professional experiences of Black female faculty may inspire other scholars of marginalized groups, institution leaders, and students to take note and devise measures that will ensure their survival, retention, and success within the academy.
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