Background
Background
I am the granddaughter of Eula and RP Sirls, sharecroppers in Texas and Alabama in the 1930s, and the great-granddaughter of Rosa (formerly enslaved) and George Thrikill; and the granddaughter of Elizabeth Jean Pratt and Daniel Pratt of Freetown, Sierra Leone.
I am the sister of Awadagin Pratt, one of the “one of the great and distinctive American pianists and conductors of our time.”
I am the mother of Emmanuel Pratt-Clarke (@emmanuelaopc), an amazing talented African-Diaspora artist and painter based in the United States and the Bahamas whose art is highlighted on this website, and Raebekkah Pratt-Clarke, a powerful, determined Blackwildgirl “dominating the field” in sports management.
I am a former professional tennis player, having played the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in 1984, and a classically trained pianist and violinist. I bought a baby grand piano a few years ago, and named her Simone, in honor of Nina Simone, and christened her with a rendition of Nina Simone’s, “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to be Free.”
I share my gifts at Virginia Tech as the Vice President for Strategic Affairs and Diversity and Professor of Education. A loyal Hokie for the past 7 years, in 2022, I had the privilege of writing a poem for Virginia Tech’s Sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary, called, “Virginia Tech: Creation. Celebration. Commission.” It was inspired by and dedicated to Nikki Giovanni.
I have five degrees: a PhD in Sociology and law degree; two master’s degree in literary studies and sociology; and a bachelor’s degree in English, with minors in African American studies and philosophy. I have been working in social justice and higher education for over 25 years, including writing and co-editing five books.
I have been blessed and honored to be the founder for the Faculty Women of Color in the Academy National Conference, approaching its 11th year and now hosted at Virginia Tech to specifically support, empower, and connect women of color with each to advance their success.
I am also the founder of the Black College Institute, a summer leadership program for high-achieving, intellectually curious high school students interested in the African-American experience, hosted at Virginia Tech, now in its 7th year.
As an academic-advocate and scholar-activist, I’m deeply committed to creating environments for everyone, particularly those who are most vulnerable in society, to actualize their potential, especially in higher education.