On Spiritual Strivings

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On Spiritual Strivings
Transforming an African American Woman's Academic Life

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Cynthia B. Dillard - Author

SUNY series in Women in Education

Price: $95.00
Hardcover - 154 pages

Release Date: June 2006

ISBN10: 0-7914-6811-9
ISBN13: 978-0-7914-6811-1

Price: $31.95
Paperback - 154 pages

Release Date: March 2007

ISBN10: N/A
ISBN13: 978-0-7914-6812-8

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Summary

2008 AESA Critics’ Choice Award

Offers both a theoretical and concrete example of what W. E. B. Du Bois called “spiritual strivings.”

This engaging book offers a personal look at how centering spirituality in an academic life transforms its very foundations—its epistemology, paradigm, and methods—and becomes the site for spiritual healing and service to the world. Focusing primarily on her work in Ghana, West Africa, Cynthia B. Dillard presents a unique perspective on Africa as a site for transformative possibilities for African American academics/scholars and explores the deeper spiritual meanings of being “African.” Through poetry, personal narrative, meditations, and journal entries, Dillard shares her experiences as an African American scholar and, in the process, provides a concrete example of what W. E. B. Du Bois called “spiritual strivings.”

“Dillard’s work is inspiring, filled with hope, humor, and humility. Like a skilled weaver, she has brought together the strands of spirituality, Black feminist theory, and feminist thought and created a cloth that is bold in color, strong, and enjoyable for those daring enough to try it on.” — Khaula Murtadha, Indiana University–Purdue University at Indianapolis

“The author offers a clear meaning of spirituality and its application to our lives as academics, and she does something that no other writer has done: she shows how and why transformation is needed in the academy, for the academician. Dillard journeys between Ghana and the United States, but she settles in a place of peace and clarity that opens its door to all of us. At a time when academicians across the disciplines are wondering what happened to the soul of the academy, we need this book. At a time when feminist scholarship is losing currency, we need this book.” — Gloria Wade Gayles, Spelman College

Cynthia B. Dillard is Associate Professor of Education at The Ohio State University. In June 2001 the community of Mpeasem, Ghana, honored her efforts in building a community center and preschool there by enstooling her as Queen Mother Nana Mansa II, during a traditional African ritual ceremony.

Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments

1. The Substance of Things Hoped For, The Evidence of Things Not Seen: Examining an Endarkened Epistemology in Educational Research and Leadership

2. What Is It and Where Does It Live? Toward Defining Spirit within a Research and Teaching Paradigm

3. Walking Ourselves Back Home: The Education of Teachers With/In the World

4. Looking at the Real Nature of Things: Life and Death as One Eternal Moment in Teaching and Research

5. Suddenly but Always Queen: Embracing a Methodology of Surrender in Research and Teaching

6. Akwanbo: From Speaking Words to Inviting the Voice of Spirit in Research

7. Out of My Darkness I Find My Light: Naming Self, Naming Spirit

8. Coming "Full Circle": Creating and Being on Purpose

Notes
Bibliography
Index

Related Subjects

African American Studies
African Studies
Multicultural Education

44975/44976(LC/JB/AV)

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