Disrupting Political Science

Angela K. Lewis-Maddox is the Assistant Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, and Professor of Political Science and Public Administration at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

"The essays compiled in this volume span a wide range of perspectives, offering a rich account of the experiences of Black women political scientists and their significant contributions to the discipline overall. The book will certainly appeal to Black women readers seeking guidance on navigating the discipline, but it also should interest readers from a variety of backgrounds who seek to democratize political science and higher education more broadly." — CHOICE"These women in their vulnerable stories of trauma and triumph, shed a necessary light on the state of the discipline—and how it needs to change." — Essence"A comprehensive history of the profession by one of the most marginalized groups in our discipline. This volume is an incredibly important contribution to political science and a tool for empowering Black women across the academy. Disrupting Political Science will give countless scholars an invaluable resource as they consider pursuing a PhD, prepare their tenure and promotion materials, and mentor others." — Stefanie Chambers, author of Somalis in the Twin Cities and Columbus: Immigrant Incorporation in New Destinations"If the discipline of political science seeks to do more than simply pay lip service to embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion, then we need to hear Black women speak—in their own voices—so that we understand our sins and can work to be better. The stories and perspectives in this volume can and should move us closer to meeting our potential, both as scholars and as people." — Ray Block Jr., coauthor of Black Networks Matter: The Role of Interracial Contact and Social Media in the 2020 Black Lives Matter Protests

• ForewordNikol G. Alexander-FloydAcknowledgments1. IntroductionAngela K. Lewis-Maddox2. She's Not a REAL Political Scientist Terri R. Jett3. That's Not Political Science: Disrupting "Traditional" Political Science InquiriesLakeyta M. Bonnette-Bailey4. Setting Political Science to a Different Tune: Reflections on the Role of Black Women as Rhythm DisruptersDesireé R. Melonas5. The Absence of Rational Resources: How a Black Woman's Presence Redefines the Discipline's NormsSherice Janaye Nelson6. Cultivating Joy in AcademiaAdaugo Pamela Nwakanma7. The Impact of Active and Passive Representation in the Field of Public Administration: Lessons Learned and Best PracticesStephanie A. Pink-Harper8. When the Discipline Disciplines: Stories of a Black Female Political ScientistJulia S. Jordan-Zachery9. Transforming Political Science: Founding the Transnational Black Womxn Scholars of African Politics Research NetworkTiffany Willoughby-Herard, T. D. Harper-Shipman, Kira Tait, Robin L. Turner, and Tara Jones10. The Duality of Disruption: Black Women in Midwestern White Liberal Arts InstitutionsClarissa Peterson11. Truth Telling: The Limits of Institutional Liberalism, Neutrality, Objectivity, and MeritocracyAngela K. Lewis-Maddox12. On Becoming a Black Woman Political Scientist: Rising to the Rank of Full Professor at a Major R1 InstitutionEvelyn M. Simien13. Racial Discrimination and the Harassment of African American Women in AcademiaSharon D. Wright Austin14. A Black Unicorn in the Academe: A Testimonial of a Black Feminist Scholar in the Field of Political ScienceCaroline Shenaz Hossein15. Journey of a Young Black Woman Political ScientistLauhren Olivia McCoy16. A Word of Advice to the Doctoral Sisters Who Just Graduated: Leave Hungry, Not StarvingAshley C. J. DanielsContributorsIndex