 Radicalizing the Ebony Tower: Black Colleges and the Black Freedom Struggle in Mississippireviewed by Marybeth Gasman - June 27, 2008  Title: Radicalizing the Ebony Tower: Black Colleges and the Black Freedom Struggle in MississippiAuthor(s): Joy Ann Williamson Publisher: Teachers College Press, New York ISBN: 0807748633, Pages: 224, Year: 2008 Search for book at Amazon.com Currently, there are 103 historically Black colleges and universities in the United States. These institutions graduate roughly a fourth of all African American students. Research tells us that Black colleges provide a nurturing learning environment that empowers students to succeed. Although many scholars have examined the current contributions and early history of Black colleges, they have paid little attention to Black colleges in the mid-twentieth century. In effect, historians have virtually ignored one of the most interesting and volatile periods in the life of these important institutions. In her newest book, Radicalizing the Ebony Tower: Black Colleges and the Black Freedom Struggle in Mississippi, Joy Ann Williamson examines the nation’s Black colleges against the backdrop of the Black freedom struggle of the 1950s, 60s and 70s. What is entirely unique about Williamson’s treatment of Black colleges during this time is her emphasis on students as activists. Whereas many historians have... (preview truncated at 150 words.) To view the full-text for this article you must be signed-in with the appropriate membership. Please review your options below:
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