The Quest for Identity and Agency as a Black Scholar and Human Rights Activist
Combatting Invisibility and Gaining Legitimacy
Author(s): Charles P. Henry

Discover the powerful intersection of education, identity, and human rights activism.

Publication Date 18 June, 2025 Available in all formats
ISBN: 9781917503112
Pages: 240

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How does one overcome invisibility and gain legitimacy in an individualized society?

In his compelling book, The Quest for Identity and Agency as a Black Scholar and Human Rights Activist, Charles P. Henry explores his involvement in two pivotal social movements: the search for social identity and the fight for civil and human rights. Starting with personal experiences of place, memory, family, Black Studies, and reparations, Henry's narrative expands to broader issues like the Black diaspora, global community, and intersectionality.

Henry was one of the few Black students in his cohort and the first in his family to attend college. He navigated the educational landscape during movements for equality and justice, challenging the established order. This work explores how he found his place in these movements.

This book is a valuable resource for students in American politics, race and politics, human rights, peace and conflict Studies, and social movements. It also appeals to educators, activists, policymakers, and anyone interested in social identity, legitimacy, and community in the quest for justice.

Charles P. Henry is Professor Emeritus at the University of California at Berkeley, with current research focusing on Afrofuturism.

About The Book

How does one overcome invisibility and gain legitimacy in an individualized society?

In his compelling book, The Quest for Identity and Agency as a Black Scholar and Human Rights Activist, Charles P. Henry explores his involvement in two pivotal social movements: the search for social identity and the fight for civil and human rights. Starting with personal experiences of place, memory, family, Black Studies, and reparations, Henry's narrative expands to broader issues like the Black diaspora, global community, and intersectionality.

Henry was one of the few Black students in his cohort and the first in his family to attend college. He navigated the educational landscape during movements for equality and justice, challenging the established order. This work explores how he found his place in these movements.

This book is a valuable resource for students in American politics, race and politics, human rights, peace and conflict Studies, and social movements. It also appeals to educators, activists, policymakers, and anyone interested in social identity, legitimacy, and community in the quest for justice.

About The Author

Charles P. Henry is Professor Emeritus at the University of California at Berkeley, with current research focusing on Afrofuturism.

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I found "The Quest for Identity and Agency as a Black Scholar and Human Rights Activist" inspiring, fascinating, and enlightening. There's nothing like an insider's view to peel away the veneer from popular history. One unexpected pleasure that has stayed with me since devouring the book last fall is the author's deeply informed commentary on current American politics. Refracted through a historian's understanding of the forces that have long shaped both our culture and politics, its contextualization of the rise of fascism in America is so valuable. The juxtaposition of President Andrew Johnson's bigotry and cruelty with Donald Trump's, for example, is a powerful reminder of why we need to know and understand the dangerous and invidious forces that have shaped our history, lest we be unable to recognize the character and gravity of the threats that confront us today. This book is brisk, vividly drawn, uplifting, and always personal, like a memorable conversation with friends. A wonderful read.

—David Hinkley, human rights activist and former chairperson of Amnesty International USA