Outsiders Within

Reviews / Votes

Outsiders Within contributes a disciplinary perspective to growing discussions about Black women academics' intellectual history. The accounts of professional trials and the public tribulations of law professors enriches our understanding of the experiences and perspectives of Black women who came after law student pioneers like Sadie T. M. Alexander, Constance Baker Motley, and Ada Sipuel. Watson points to invaluable resources to challenge the race and gender status quo in the legal academy. -- Stephanie Y. Evans, University of Florida Elwood Watson has written a pioneering study on a topic that has been largely ignored. This book is a valuable addition to the fields of history, legal studies, and cultural and gender studies. -- Quintard Taylor, University of Washington Elwood Watson's Outsiders Within is a remarkable, inspiring, moving, and solid study that chronicles the professional careers of brilliant black women in a white dominated legal academy. In revealing and provocative interviews, the author captures the mistreatment, isolation, and marginalization these phenomenal legal minds experienced in their profession. Watson also discusses how they and other courageous professional black women persevered through public and media scrutiny. This empowering monograph is a must-read for those in search of more insight into issues of diversity and affirmative action as it relates to African American women in the legal profession. -- Dwayne Mack, Berea College Outsiders Within relies upon some of our finest legal intellectuals-Anita Hill, Lani Guinier, Kimberle Crenshaw-to shed light on the realities of being a Black woman while rising through the ranks of the law professoriate. Dr. Watson taps key insights regarding issues of affirmative action, harassment, credibility in the classroom, and the importance of developing a support system. This book illustrates the remarkable journeys that professional Black women often encounter. -- Robin R. Means Coleman, University of Michigan