Outsiders Within: Black Women in the Legal Academy After Brown v. Board

(Paperback)

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Through interviews with prominent legal academics such as Lani Guinier and Kimberle Crenshaw, Outsiders Within presents the trials and accomplishments of black women law professors who began to enter the legal academy in the 1970s and 80s. The often-overlooked legacies of these women are brought to light as chapters highlight the work of important women like Jean Cahn, who co-founded Antioch Law School in 1972, and Emma Coleman-Jordan, who founded the Northeast Corridor Collective of black women law professors in 1988. Author Elwood Watson also discusses the scholarship of a number of black women law professors who have written on the intersection of race and gender, and employs their findings to determine how the experiences of black women in the law academy differ from those of black men and white men and women.

Reviews

Outsiders Within contributes a disciplinary perspective to growing discussions about Black women academics intellectual history. The accounts of professional trials and the public tribulations of law professors enriches our understanding of the experiences and perspectives of Black women who came after law student pioneers like Sadie T. M. Alexander, Constance Baker Motley, and Ada Sipuel. Watson points to invaluable resources to challenge the race and gender status quo in the legal academy. -- Stephanie Y. Evans, University of Florida
Elwood Watson has written a pioneering study on a topic that has been largely ignored. This book is a valuable addition to the fields of history, legal studies, and cultural and gender studies. -- Quintard Taylor, University of Washington
Elwood Watson's Outsiders Within is a remarkable, inspiring, moving, and solid study that chronicles the professional careers of brilliant black women in a white dominated legal academy. In revealing and provocative interviews, the author captures the mistreatment, isolation, and marginalization these phenomenal legal minds experienced in their profession. Watson also discusses how they and other courageous professional black women persevered through public and media scrutiny. This empowering monograph is a must-read for those in search of more insight into issues of diversity and affirmative action as it relates to African American women in the legal profession. -- Dwayne Mack, Berea College
Outsiders Within relies upon some of our finest legal intellectualsAnita Hill, Lani Guinier, Kimberle Crenshawto shed light on the realities of being a Black woman while rising through the ranks of the law professoriate. Dr. Watson taps key insights regarding issues of affirmative action, harassment, credibility in the classroom, and the importance of developing a support system. This book illustrates the remarkable journeys that professional Black women often encounter. -- Robin R. Means Coleman, University of Michigan

Author Bio

Elwood Watson is professor of history and African American studies at East Tennessee State University.