History of Black Women Deans, College Alumnae Organizations, and Activism

This historical account uncovers the lived experiences and history of pioneering Black women deans.

Few scholars have studied the origins of Black deans of women and college graduates who were at the intersection of race and gender. Ashla C. Hill Roseboro’s History of Black Women Deans, College Alumnae Organizations, and Activism fills this gap by sharing the lived experiences of pioneering administrators at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and college alumnae who overcame barriers by forming their own professional circles. She investigates newspaper reports, articles, and artifacts from 1910 to the 1960s to provide insights on how these educated women advocated for higher education standards through the collective work of awarding scholarships to students, strategy meetings, and enrichment programs. This sisterhood emphasized how they took creative approaches to gain members, improve education, and promote equality. Past successes and struggles of these trailblazers illuminate how progress was made despite limitations and setbacks. This book points to the path taken by these mentoring leaders who sacrificed for the greater good of their communities. Leaders today can be inspired through these writings to continue being beacons of hope for greater equity towards a just society.