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News Release

Last modified: Friday, September 30, 2011

Joy James, distinguished scholar about race and gender in American politics, to speak at IU Oct. 4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 30, 2011

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Joy A. James, a distinguished scholar and author of several books about race and gender in American politics, will present a lecture Tuesday (Oct. 4) at Indiana University's Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center.

Her talk in the building's Grand Hall, "Women and Political Imprisonment: From Rosa Parks to Ramona Africa," will begin at 7 p.m. The Department of African American and African Diaspora Studies in the IU College of Arts and Sciences is hosting her visit.

James is the John B. and John T. McCoy Presidential Professor of Africana Studies and College Professor in Political Science at Williams College and a visiting professor of African-American and Africana Studies at the University of Texas. She also is the curator of the Harriet Tubman Literary Circle.

She is the author of several award-winning books including, Shadowboxing: Representations of Black Feminist Politics, Transcending the Talented Tenth: Black Leaders and American Intellectuals and Resisting State Violence: Radicalism, Gender and Race in U.S. Culture. Her edited books include Warfare in the American Homeland, The New Abolitionists: (Neo) Slave Narratives and Contemporary Prison Writings, Imprisoned Intellectuals, States of Confinement, The Black Feminist Reader and The Angela Y. Davis Reader.

James is completing a book on the prosecution of 20th century interracial rape cases, tentatively titled, Memory, Shame and Rage. She has contributed articles and book chapters to journals and anthologies addressing feminist and critical race theory, democracy and social justice.

"Joy James is one of our most eminent scholars and public intellectuals today," said Audrey T. McCluskey, director of graduate studies in the Department of African American and African Diaspora Studies. "Her work is grounded in issues of race and social justice that includes incarceration, gender inequality, and political leadership, that cuts across several disciplines. Getting her to visit Bloomington is a small coup on our part."

A pre-lecture reception will begin at 6:30 p.m.. The public is invited to both free events. Call 812-855-3875 for more information. Special thanks to the IU Office of Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs.

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