On Spiritual Strivings: Transforming an African American Woman's Academic Life (SUNY series in Women in Education)

Offers both a theoretical and concrete example of what W. E. B. Du Bois called “spiritual strivings.”

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.”

“Dillard’s work is inspiring, filled with hope, humor, and humility. Like a skilled weaver, she has brought together the strands of spirituality, Black feminist theory, and feminist thought and created a cloth that is bold in color, strong, and enjoyable for those daring enough to try it on.” — Khaula Murtadha, Indiana University–Purdue University at Indianapolis

“The author offers a clear meaning of spirituality and its application to our lives as academics, and she does something that no other writer has done: she shows how and why transformation is needed in the academy, for the academician. Dillard journeys between Ghana and the United States, but she settles in a place of peace and clarity that opens its door to all of us. At a time when academicians across the disciplines are wondering what happened to the soul of the academy, we need this book. At a time when feminist scholarship is losing currency, we need this book.” — Gloria Wade Gayles, Spelman College