Where the Black People At: An Examination of the Representation of Black Scholarship in Composition and Rhetoric

Ronada Hewitt

Advisor: Douglas Eyman, Department of English Lisa Gilman, Department of English

Committee Members: Leah Adams

Johnson Center, Gold Room, and https://gmu.zoom.us/j/97733123824?pwd=eUc5szzaFBbmJphPYgqLw5omhIaeYn.1
November 20, 2024, 11:00 AM to 01:00 PM

Abstract:

This study explores the relationship between academic journals, the researchers who submit to them, and what is published. My central question examines whether the representation of Black research in the top composition journal is sufficiently published to effectively contribute to the epistemological processes of the field. This exploration includes a historical revisionist review of the professionalization of composition that attempts to include the influences of African American composition/rhetoric scholars, an article review of College Composition and Communication, and surveys and interviews of authors and editors.

While conversations regarding race are not new to the field, race has a continuous impact on its development. I argue that scholarship on the experience of Black people is not adequately represented in the field's premiere journal. Similarly, the contributions of Black scholars have not been sufficiently included or acknowledged in the published histories of the development of the field composition, which in turn contributes to inequitable learning experiences for Black students and others of color who may not see themselves represented. Additionally, just as we research the relationship between students and their writing processes and how it influences their abilities to learn, we also should question and research scholars and the relationship between their writing responsibilities, namely submitting to academic journals, and how those interactions influence and impact their growth and development as emerging researchers.