Dissertation Acknowledgments

As my journey towards earning a Ph.D. closes, and another chapter ensues, I find it vitally imperative that this accomplishment is shared with everyone who made it possible. This dissertation, along with my professional and personal growth, was developed through community. The networks of friends, family, mentors, community leaders, and youth that I have been fortunate to build relationships with are the reason this study exists. Those that know me know that I am neither the sentimental type nor have I always been reflexive. Now, as I continue my development as a scholar, friend, family member, and community advocate, I want to take considerable time to acknowledge the contributions of the many individuals and groups in my life.

First and foremost, this study is the intellectual and creative work of my participants. The 17 boys and girls, young men and women, who took the time to talk with somebody they did not know, are among the most introspective people that I have ever met. They are brilliant, hilarious, authentic, and passionate individuals who have the abilities to generate liberating possible futures. In fact, there were countless times during the interviews, and analysis, when I thought “they are so damn smart”. I cannot thank this group enough for participating, making this study happen, and also putting up with my annoying follow up e-mails and text messages. If any of you are reading this, I am sorry I couldn’t mention you by name (for privacy purposes), but I am always an open, and grateful, resource for you.

In addition to the participants, the organizations and individuals that helped me locate them are owed the highest praise. Not just for their willingness to help me out, but for all the incredible work they do throughout the community. In particular, I would like to thank Pastor DK for opening up his church, and letting a lil ole sinner like me come up in the pulpit and recruit from the congregation. I also have to shout out Edwin, who was one of the first people to respond to my recruitment letter and offered the opportunity to speak with his group of students (and also putting up with my countless annoying texts). Lastly, but certainly not least, TRP (Oya, Ma’at, Rock, and Kat) needs to be given credit for running the most thoughtful and inspiring programs I know of. The work that they do in the community is what revolutionary organizing, action, and care looks like. Thank you so much for opening your headquarters to me and allowing a space to conduct research and build relationships. It is my sincere hope for all of us to maintain bonds we forged, and that if you need me, for anything, that there is no hesitation to call.

On a personal level, this academic journey (and, man, has it been a journey!) was enabled by the unwavering support of my family. My mom has always given me her blessing to do whatever it is I thought was best (even if it was clearly not the best). When I made the decision to move to Los Angeles, without ever having visited the state of California, she supported me and even took in my dog (shout out Thor). Her willingness to let me try things, fail, then learn (multiple times) has truly be invaluable to my development as a scholar and as a person. I also have to think my aunts and uncles. They have all done so much for me. John and Shell, our weekly talks that keep me up to date with family gossip, and the not-so-subtle-reminders of all the wild and dumb things I have done growing up have been priceless. To Bell and Clay, who gave me a spot to sleep on the couch whenever I come home, and really served as my second parents during my early undergraduate years. Also, Carol and Andrew who I can I always count on to show support when we get time to talk. I am incredibly thankful your support over the years. And lastly, the cousins. Where would I be without my beloved cousins? As a kid I looked up to them, and in many ways, I relied on them to guide me when I needed it most. Each of them have played a significant role in my life, and our weekend visits over the summers produced so many nostalgic moments.

I also owe a lot to the mentorship of professors at the University of Louisville, where I met a group of scholars that truly initiated my current path and provided me with an intellectual base that I still carry with me to this day. To my first mentor, Dr. Deonte Hollowell, who also happened to be my first professor in Pan African Studies. Dr. Hollowell’s guidance and support as the faculty advisor of the Cheikh Anta Diop Society (Shoutout to my Diop squad!) taught me what it meant to build community and put what we learned in class into action. Of course, I have to thank Dr. Latrica Best, who served on my master’s thesis committee, and throughout the years has offered her wisdom on how to navigate academia. Dr. Best’s mentorship has helped us grow a friendship, along with her husband Charles, in ways that now extend beyond the classroom that I am forever grateful for. Speaking of my master’s thesis, my chair Dr. Carson Byrd deserves a major thanks, not only for the work he put in on getting me through the program, but also helping me lay out a plan to get into a PhD program. Our meetings about school and life have been beyond helpful; thanks to Dr. Byrd I learned (through many failed attempts) APA formatting. Dana Seay was another important figure during my time at Louisville, as I would frequently hide out in her office and discuss the daily trials and tribulations of being a graduate student. I also want to thank Dr. Tomarra Adams, who played a critical role in getting me out of undergrad and on a path towards graduate school. I came to Dr. Adams with a 2.0 GPA, and severely behind on credits. She worked out a challenging plan for me that would raise my GPA to a 3.0 and help me graduate a year and a half later, with an acceptance into the PAS M.A. program. No one can ask for better academic advisor than that. 

The training I received as a graduate and undergraduate student in Pan African Studies can largely be credited to the vision of Dr. Ricky Jones, who crafted an environment for students to affirm their intellectual abilities. This vision has been carried out by many important faculty, such as one of my de facto mentors Dr. Shirletta Kinchen. Dr. Kinchen is hands down one of the brightest and best professors I have ever had. A large part of my interest, and analysis, of Black social movements is rooted in my time learning from her. Though we often disagree on sports and music, Dr. Kinchen has become a truly invaluable friend during this journey. Another special bond that I built, and grew from in PAS was with Dr. Kaila Story. Dr. Story is the personification of intellectual realness, as it was in our time together that I had a fundamental shift towards Black Feminism in my work. I am grateful for the time I get spend when I come home and get to visit Dr. Story and Missy, as we trade laughs about what has happened in our lives. Dr. Brandon McCormack also deserves an immense shout out, as I appreciate his thoughtfulness on a variety of subjects, but in particular his authenticity in our discussions about understanding our values as academics. I also want to celebrate the recently retired, Dr. Theresa Rajack-Talley, whose leadership and kindness as graduate studies director was always appreciated, and it was always fun being her go-to expert when the Strickler tech was acting up. I also want to thank W.S. Tkweme, whom I had many insightful, and comedic conversations with during my time at U of L. One conversation, however, was the most impactful. I am grateful for the time he challenged me to raise game during the first semester of my master’s program. Dr. Tkweme saw that I was not living up to my potential as a graduate student and gave me the game, straight up. That moment is when I knew I could do more as a scholar and needed to raise my effort in order to do so. To finish out my PAS and U of L acknowledgements I need to thank the wonderful staff, which includes Ms. Chandra and Ms. Wendy, and of course, the incomparable Ms. Sandy. I also need to shout out the amazing graduate students I worked alongside (Alexis, Nick, Leon, Schetauna, Megan, Shelby, Angelica, The Spears, Gully, Nia, John, and many others that if I forgot, I swear it wasn’t intentional). Thank you U of L. Go Cards for life!

With specific regards to my experience, and the work produced, during my doctoral program; my time at the University of Southern California has truly been transformational. My initial resistance to the ethos of the program evolved into appreciation, as considerable changes were made institutionally, as well as by me, on a personal level. I am truly grateful for all the staff and faculty I have interacted with at USC at-large, and the Rossier School of Education, specifically. Laura Romero is hands-down the best program coordinator anyone can ask for. Since day one, I know that myself and every other graduate student has been appreciative of her work and guidance through the administrative tasks required of us. I also want to thank Cynthea Jackson at the Race and Equity Center, who has played a vital role in helping with scheduling and disseminating my letters of recommendations in a timely manner. Another key figure at the Race and Equity Center has been Dr. Charles H.F. Davis, who has offered authentic support (and a shared appreciation for fried chicken) that has helped cultivate a caring culture for Black graduate students. There’s of course countess individuals at USC that I could continue to list, that formally and informally assisted in my scholarly development, and I am appreciative of their work and effort.

My time at USC has also been filled with the support of friends and allies in and across various programs. To the Latinx collective, it has been a pleasure sharing this experience you all. Specifically, future Dr. Cynthia Villareal deserves major credit for being that person that I could share snacks and jokes with during our first year in the program. Cynthia and Elias game nights were also great times. Also shout out to Dr. Arely Avilez, another member of the Brownies who has made this experience far more enjoyable. I am also greatly appreciative of the mentorship and friendship of Drs. Roman Liera and Eric Felix who have been incredible role models in the program. I also need to thank Dr. Ann Kim who worked closely with me during my early years in the PhD program, and was in many ways a second advisor for me. Last, but most certainly not least, my dear friend Dr. Hadass Moore. I am not sure I could think of a better, and more thoughtful friend that I have made in my time at USC. Your allyship on social issues and ability to provide a unique perspective and wit on life topics was instrumental in shaping my journey.

Now, for my riders. The Slaughterhouse. It has been this growing community of Black scholars that has truly changed the culture and made my experience in the program truly worth it. To the Super Six, future Drs. Aireale Rodgers, Akua Nkansah-Amankra, Kaylan Baxter, Taylor Enoch-Stevens, Sarah Toutant, and Tara-Marie Desruisseaux, if they made me redo the program (I would fight everyone), I would gladly join this cohort of brilliant Black women. I also need to shout out future Drs. Eupha Jeanne Daramola and Nicole Yates who are foundational to our community, and who also let me distract them when I was on campus and did not feel like working. To the homie, future Dr. Sy Stokes, I appreciate you coming through in the clutch with your insights and help in various ways. Even if the Warriors dynasty is over, you are still a champ. Future Dr. Martin Gamboa, my Fortnite partner, and reliable friend who is always down to hook me up with free food. I am thankful for our friendship and always enjoy our wide ranging conversations. Also, my dear friend, future Dr. Liane Hypolite, I really want to be like her when I grow up. She accomplishes more in a week than I do in a year, and I am thankful that I had the opportunity to (kind of) learn from her ways. My cohort, Dr. Marissiko Wheaton, we made it. We walked in together and we got out together! It has been an incredible journey and I appreciate all the support she has shown along the way. To the godfather of the Slaughterhouse, Dr. Antar Tichavakunda words cannot describe how important his mentorship has been to me over the years. Having Antar as a mentor has been critical to my personal and professional development, and no one can ask for a better friend to help them through this process. Rounding out the Slaughterhouse, of course, is my friend, my sister, my ace, #TheMachine, future Dr. Ashley Stewart. This dissertation does not exist without your support as a friend and insights as a scholar. I cannot convey how important her presence as a fellow mentee to Dr. Tynes has been over the last three years has been. Whenever I needed help on a paper, or just needed someone I could vent to, my first text was to Ashley. We’ve been in the trenches together and there’s nobody Maria and I enjoy cooking for more than her. In sum, the Slaughterhouse, as my community of friends has been instrumental in the production of this dissertation directly and indirectly. I cannot thank this group enough.

To my incredible committee, the amazing group of scholars who molded my academic journey, and whose intellectual fingerprints are all over this dissertation. I could not ask for a better group of experts, who not only lent their expertise, but also their affirmations in my ability. Before going further into each member, I want to acknowledge two individuals who also played critical roles in this dissertation’s development. First, De’Andra Johnson, who was my research assistant during the focus groups. De’Andra’s fieldnotes and inquisitive follow up questions were essential to the collection and analysis phase. I appreciate what she brought to this study, and I am excited to see her academic career unfold. I also want to thank my ghost-committee member, Dr. Riana Anderson, who served as a member of my qualifying exam committee. As a long distance mentor, she provided critical insights into the early formulation of this study that were important to its methodological foundations. The continued assistance of Dr. Anderson throughout the process has been greatly appreciated.

To the chair of my committee, my wonderful advisor, Dr. Brendesha Tynes. These last four years have flown by. I am literally not in this place without her guidance and desire for me to follow my dreams as a scholar. More than just an academic advisor, Dr. Tynes, has provided an authentic level of care and advocacy that I hope to model for those I work alongside, in the future. The intellectual rigor and self-care that Dr. Tynes promotes helped make this dissertation process an impactful and enjoyable experience. There are a million stories and lessons I could tell of Dr. Tynes, and her value to me as a scholar, and I cannot think of any person who has challenged me more than her. For that, I am thankful and I am happy that this dissertation has her seal of approval.

I am also grateful for my outside reader, and committee confidant, Dr. Lanita Jacobs. I met Dr. Jacobs when I took her class my second year; and it was hands-down, without question, the best class I ever had in graduate school. Dr. Jacobs intellectual prowess and authenticity when engaging weighty subjects cannot be captured and is greatly appreciated by anyone taking her classes. This translated into the dissertation process, as Dr. Jacobs challenged me in ways that made me think about the positioning of my research and the analysis of data that captured what is truly “Black”. During my time at USC, Dr. Jacobs has served as not only a committee member for this dissertation, but as a valuable friend who has assisted in my personal and professional development by offering her insights and care. The meetings that we have in the local coffee shops to debrief about life were truly rehabilitating and instrumental to my work.

Additionally, the relationship that I have built with Dr. Shaun Harper has been another immensely impactful bond that has shaped my experience. As a committee member, Dr. Harper literally sat me down in his office and taught me grounded theory. Through Dr. Harper’s mentorship, I was granted the opportunity to learn from one of the top scholars in the field. What’s most important, however, is to note the ways in which Dr. Harper is always willing to assist students in any way possible. Despite having a constantly packed schedule, his ability to make time for me, and other students, is truly a testament to his humble, and remarkable character. Dr. Harper’s desire to share his resources and accomplishments with his students is a quality I wish to continue to emulate as a I continue my own career.

Finally, Dr. Darnell Cole, who has overseen my development during the course of the last four years. Dr. Cole had the pleasure (all sarcasm) of teaching me during my first semester in the PhD program, and has been an integral figure throughout the qualifying exam and dissertating stage. I appreciate the philosophical and methodological challenges that Dr. Cole has routinely encouraged me to engage. His willingness and excitement to help with this dissertation is another positive aspect that he brought to this committee, as he continuously provided ways of thinking about the “real-world” application of this work. To each and every one of my committee members, I cannot express enough gratitude for your hard work, or take enough pride in the fact that this is greatest, and Blackest, dissertation committee ever assembled in Rossier history.

The last group of individuals I want to thank is, of course, my friends. I would not be in this position without them being the realest, most intellectually gifted, and hilarious people on the planet. They are there to challenge me, make me laugh, and assist me emotionally at any given notice, and I am always down to do the same for them. Special shout out to my long distance friends, who I may not get to see often, but their texts and periodic phone conversations (and online gaming nights) keep me fulfilled. Ash, Cierra, Kiana, Miranda, Shacoya, and Tiara, are a bunch of nerds, but I love them all anyway. I cannot thank them enough for always being there. This dissertation does not happen if I do not get the chance to decompress and laugh with them.

To the Squad, Ash, Bmore, Bricks, Chad, Dee, Kish, Ryan, and Trav, they are a wild bunch, and a group of friends that I am so happy to see every time I come home. We started out protesting in the streets together. Now, to see all the positive things that each of them is doing individually makes me so happy. As far as I am concerned, this PhD is theirs too. They each encouraged me to follow this path. They all listened and laughed with me through the ups and downs, in ways that only we would understand. I appreciate each of them so much for keeping me grounded during this PhD process; because, as we know, it can change people. Most certainly I have changed, but not without their input. The squad remains my moral and intellectual foundation, and through our experiences as unit, I was able to come out a better organizer, scholar, and person.

As for my best friend, future Dr. Yasmeen Chism, what can be said that has not already been said about us? And what can be said that I can publish without getting us both fired eventually? There is not a more honest, giving, and brilliant person on this planet. This is not hyperbole. Yasmeen is literally the smartest person on Earth. Do not debate me, I have a PhD now, so it is facts. She has provided important feedback and insights on my scholarly work that has improved my writing dramatically. This dissertation is just one example. In addition to her intellectual prowess, however, is the nature of our friendship, which is truly regenerative. Our ability to instinctively know when the other needs a joke (90% of the time) and when we need assistance is what makes our friendship work. I know I can count on Yasmeen for a laugh and a push forward in my work. I hope this dissertation makes her proud, even if I still do not know what passive voice is. I cannot wait until her dissertation drops and changes her field of study. Thanks Yaz, for everything.

The final person I want to thank is my loving partner, Maria. I know she cannot believe this part of the journey is finally over? It is not a coincidence that my enjoyment and love for Los Angeles began at the same time we met. Since we have been together, a lot has changed. We have grown and we even got ourselves a dog (shout out Logan Simone). I cannot thank her enough for the love, support, and understanding throughout this process. Maria, more than anybody, got to see how this dissertation unfolded. She dealt with me staying up until the early mornings, working, and she heard all my thoughts as I planned, improvised, and rethought my ideas. Our shared interests in television shows, movies, and documentaries provided the necessary spark for this dissertation topic, as it came from a place of love. Maria’s support, along with her own brilliant insights, were key factors in this dissertations completion. For all that you do, and continue to do in my life, I want to thank you. I love you!

As I finally draw this acknowledgment section to its conclusion (I already wrote 200-plus pages, what’s another 10 or so?), I want to remain cognizant of the fact that our people are still fighting for freedom and that this dissertation is not going to get us free. However, each person mentioned in this section is playing a critical role in the liberation of Black people, and I am truly blessed to be connected with each and every one of them. As a study that uses a constructivist grounded theory approach, it is important to note that, as a researcher, I bring my experiences and funds of knowledge to my analysis of the data in ways that incorporate the views of everyone special in my life. Although I am sure I did not name everyone who has been instrumental to my development, I hope people understand that if we have ever been in contact, and you have ever considered yourself a friend or mentor to me, that this dissertation is a by-product of your presence and that I am truly grateful. This is a special milestone in a continuing journey and I hope we all are able to continue it together. #WhateverItTakes.