The Quest for Identity and Agency as a Black Scholar and Human Rights Activist

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.

• Cover
• Half Title
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Abstract
• Table of Contents
• Note on language
• Learning objectives
• Introduction
• 1 Buckeye Lake Amusement Park
• 2 A child of two movements
• 3 Washington, DC: The caucus and the capstone
• 4 Homeward bound
• 5 From Black Studies to African diaspora to American cultures
• 6 Office hours
• 7 Witnessing Black political history: Gary, San Francisco, and Chicago
• 8 Beyond the ivory tower
• 9 Education abroad
• 10 From palm wine to rock and roll
• 11 Global forums I
• 12 Global forums II
• 13 Conclusion
• Discussion questions
• Bibliography
• Additional reading
• Index

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