Black Faculty, Cultural Wealth, and the Fight Against Racial Inequality in Higher Education: Unequal Battlegrounds
By (Author) Melinda Jackson-Jefferson
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Bloomsbury Academic
19th March 2026
United Kingdom
Professional and Scholarly
Non Fiction
Sociology
Higher education, tertiary education
Racism and racial discrimination / Anti-racism
Hardback
192
Width 152mm, Height 229mm
This book offers a critical examination of how Black faculty in predominantly white institutions mobilize community cultural wealth to navigate systemic barriers, racial microaggressions, and institutional inequities in higher education.
Building on and extending Tara Yossos Community Cultural Wealth framework, Melinda Jackson Jefferson presents a nuanced analysis of six forms of capitalaspirational, linguistic, familial, social, navigational, and resistantas essential tools of resilience and academic agency. Essential for academic libraries and scholars of critical race theory, educational equity, and faculty diversity, this work contributes original research and actionable strategies to advance structural change and inclusive practices in higher education institutions.
Dr. Jefferson-Jackson has written an important and timely book highlighting the significance of education in America, especially higher education, using key concepts like racial realism and community cultural wealth. The book not only provides a portrait of historic and contemporary challenges and opportunities impacting students, staff, and faculty, but also provides a framework for these groups to thrive. -- Lori Latrice Martin, Louisiana State University
Melinda Jackson Jefferson is associate professor of sociology and criminal justice at Nicholls State University.