Collaboration as Imagination

Table of Links

Abstract and 1 Introduction

2. Early Life

3. Whiteness as an Institution

4. The Triple Threat

5. The Academic Plantation Field

6. The Future Is Black Women

7. Imagination as a Tool

8. Imagination through Research

9. Imagination through Play

10. Collaboration as Imagination

11. Conclusions and References

10. Collaboration as Imagination

I always carry an “ideas” notebook with me to write down ideas, and on the first page, there is a quote by Tricia Hershey that reads, “I do nothing alone, my whole life is a collaboration”. This quote grounds me and calls me to collaborate instead of isolate, which is my natural tendency. Collaboration is key in the work that we conduct; finding “our people” is necessary to keep us grounded and sane. Gems 2 and 4, outlined above in the critical reflection, expose the need for having people whom you can call when your vision is cloudy and your ability to imagine has been eclipsed by whiteness. Gem #2 Black women are my barometer, which has forced me to redefine my ideas of what success looks like. Just given the fact that Black women’s ideas are often viewed as DEI, it is already setting us back. I realized that if I remained true to myself, my community, and Black women-centered research, then I would risk not being successful in academia by getting awards, grants, or even tenure. I had a mentor, who is a Black woman, tell me, “Tenure can’t be the goal. It can’t define you”. She was telling me that I was more than a label of tenured professor and that is a white-centered standard that does not center my desires and the people I serve. So, I made Black women and other women of color my barometer. Anytime I am challenged institutionally, I collaborate with my circle on how to address the issues. Before any major hearing, or if someone “tells” on me and I am summoned by university administration and lawyers, I strategize with at least two other Black women, from adjunct faculty to Vice Provost, on how to deal with an issue. When I address my challenge, I repeat something my wise healing coach told me, “There is nothing for me to protect and defend”. I always feel armed and ready when I enter these complicated, treacherous institutional issues because at least two brilliant Black women have helped prepare me for the matter, and good luck trying to outsmart all of us.