On Spiritual Strivings
Transforming an African American Woman's Academic Life
Alternative formats available from:
Offers both a theoretical and concrete example of what W. E. B. Du Bois called “spiritual strivings. ”
Description
Winner of the 2008 Critics' Choice Awards presented by the American Educational Studies Association
This engaging book offers a personal look at how centering spirituality in an academic life transforms its very foundations—its epistemology, paradigm, and methods—and becomes the site for spiritual healing and service to the world. Focusing primarily on her work in Ghana, West Africa, Cynthia B. Dillard presents a unique perspective on Africa as a site for transformative possibilities for African American academics/scholars and explores the deeper spiritual meanings of being "African. " Through poetry, personal narrative, meditations, and journal entries, Dillard shares her experiences as an African American scholar and, in the process, provides a concrete example of what W. E. B. Du Bois called "spiritual strivings. "
Cynthia B. Dillard is Associate Professor of Education at The Ohio State University. In June 2001 the community of Mpeasem, Ghana, honored her efforts in building a community center and preschool there by enstooling her as Queen Mother Nana Mansa II, during a traditional African ritual ceremony.