Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-13-2017

Abstract

I remember my first time seeing Derrick Bell in person and hearing him speak, just a few years before he passed away. I was in awe of him for many reasons, but primarily for two reasons. First, I noted from watching him with his devoted students, how mutual was the devotion coming from him—devotion to them as people and as those who would surely carry on his great work of seeking to forge equality in America and beyond. And second, I was in awe of him because of his devotion to the elimination of racism, while at the same time commenting in some of his writings the sad permanence, it seems, of racism and other -isms. Academics of color are trying to carry on the work of Professor Bell and others who fought tirelessly for us to have the positions we now have in America. Some feel under attack in our own schools and in the proliferation of national and state policies that hinder full equality. Although I, too, am greatly concerned about the future of education and equality in America, I firmly believe we can find safe spaces, which allow us to further follow Professor Bell’s legacy, through embracing practical ideals.

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