Why We Must Heed Mary McLeod Bethune’s Advice
I had the pleasure recently of reading “A Passionate Mind in Relentless Pursuit: The Vision of Mary McLeod Bethune” by Noliwe Rooks. I have literally loved Mary Mcleod Bethune since I was a child. I have a book printed in 1975 when I was 8 years old. I remember getting the book at the school […]
Translating Anger Into Action: Blackwildgirl Audre Lorde’s Inspiration
Reflections inspired by a true Blackwildgirl, Audre Lorde. “Girl, it is better to speak. For you are still here. Still alive. Still with words. Still with words. Still with words that want so urgently and insistently to be written, to be spoken, to have impact.” Menah Pratt (Blackwildgirl). This coming week, I am delivering the […]
Lessons Learned from a Blackwildgirl Year!
I had the privilege of having an American Council on Education Leadership Year Experience. It is called a fellowship, but I’m trying to move away from male-centered language, so I’m calling it a leadership year. The leadership year was an opportunity to step away from the beautiful, pristine, idyllic and predominantly White community of Blacksburg, […]
Virginia Tech Faculty Women of Color
As the founder of the Faculty Women of Color in the Academy National Conference, it was a deep honor to share Blackwildgirl with almost 700 women of color. Having a conversation with Dr. Mercedes Ramirez Fernandez, the Chief Diversity Officer for the University of Minnesota, was amazing. We have been friends and colleagues for almost 15 years, and it was incredible to have this conversation in a ballroom full of women of color scholars.
HERS Book Tour
I was in Johannesburg, South Africa on April 2, my official launch date. The HERS organization was so wonderful to partner with Blackwildgirl and host the official launch virtually to HERS alumni. HERS is an organization that supports leadership development for women and their CEO, Dr. Gloria Thomas was the perfect moderator for the launch.
Virgina Tech- Book Tour Launch
As the founder of the Faculty Women of Color in the Academy National Conference, it was a deep honor to share Blackwildgirl with almost 700 women of color. Having a conversation with Dr. Mercedes Ramirez Fernandez, the Chief Diversity Officer for the University of Minnesota, was amazing. We have been friends and colleagues for almost 15 years, and it was incredible to have this conversation in a ballroom full of women of color scholars.
Illinois Wesleyan – Book Tour
Normal Illinois is my hometown. it was incredibly poignant to return home to share Blackwildgirl. I was able to share Blackwildgirl at both Illinois State University where my parents were faculty members, and Illinois Wesleyan University where the Pratt Music Foundation is housed that supports k-12 students with free classical music lessons. So grateful for the embrace from my hometown of Blackwildgirl.
Seattle University- Book Tour
Seattle University- Book Tour May 15th from 2:00PM-4:00PM A conversation with Menah Pratt- Led by Professor Gabriella Gutiérrez y Muhs Seattle University is such a special institution with its commitment to social justice! I was so honored to be hosted by the fierce and fiery Dr. Gabriella Gutiérrez y Muhs. I have know her for […]
University of California- Book Tour
Dr. Yvette Gullatt serves as vice president for graduate and undergraduate affairs; vice provost for equity, diversity and inclusion; and chief diversity officer for the University of California. I was honored to be invited to share Blackwildgirl and have a powerful conversation with Yvette.
University of Minnesota- Book Tour
This year I was honored to receive an American Council on Education fellowship. The fellowship is an opportunity to be hosted at another institution for an year. My host institution was University of Minnesota. University of Minnesota partnered with Fulbright Association to host a Blackwildgirl book talk. I was honored to be interviewed by Dr. Mercedes Ramírez Fernández, the Chief Diversity Officer at the University of Minnesota. We have known each other for almost 15 years and it was a fun conversation.