April 18th 2024.
At the 82nd Annual College Language Association Convention, two highly esteemed faculty members from Bethune-Cookman University, Dr. Clarissa West-White and Dr. Rondrea Mathis, shared their research on the impact of stereotypes and myths surrounding Black women. Both women are not only accomplished professors, but also passionate advocates for addressing and dismantling these harmful misconceptions.
During the convention, West-White, who serves as an archivist and assistant professor at the Carl S. Swisher Library, joined forces with Mathis, an assistant professor of English at B-CU, to discuss the prevalent belief that Black women must carry the weight of being everything to everyone. West-White observed how this pressure can hinder Black women from seeking support and emphasized the importance of finding a balance between caring for oneself and caring for others.
Mathis shed light on the complex reality that Black women in America face as they navigate the intersection of race and class. She highlighted the often-overlooked facets of Black female identity and how Black women are constantly torn between conflicting expectations while trying to define and redefine their own personal and professional truths, identities, and desires. As a licensed Baptist minister, Mathis also shared her own experiences of being seen first as a Black woman before being recognized for her credentials or accomplishments.
Through their research in language and literature, both West-White and Mathis discovered that many Black women struggle with their identities, trying to find a sense of authenticity in a society that often seeks to define them before they have a chance to define themselves. This is further compounded by the concept of the "Superwoman Schema" coined by Dr. Cheryl L. Woods-Giscombé of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which examines the links between stress and health disparities faced by African American women. Woods-Giscombé's work highlights how sociopolitical factors, such as racism and gender-based oppression, have forced Black women to take on roles as caregivers and providers in the face of limited resources and systemic discrimination.
West-White and Mathis, along with B-CU's Dr. Jan Boulware and Dr. Kideste Yusef, co-edited the powerful book "Mamas, Martyrs, and Jezebels: Myths, Legends, and Other Lies You've Been Told About Black Women," which was released in February 2024. Their collaboration on this project further demonstrates their dedication to challenging and dispelling harmful stereotypes and promoting a more accurate and nuanced understanding of Black women.
This year, the College Language Association Convention was held in Memphis from April 10 to 13, providing a platform for scholars like West-White and Mathis to share their important research and contribute to the ongoing conversations about race, gender, and identity in academia and beyond. Their work serves as a reminder of the vital role that diverse perspectives and voices play in enriching our understanding of the world around us.
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