African American Studies Professor Uses History to Teach Social Justice by Sue Kropp
• B.A., New York University • M.A., University of Massachusetts at Amherst College • Ph.D. Northeastern University Faculty Profiles Faculty & Staff Page		OCTOBER 11, 2002--Assistant Professor of African American Studies Pamela Brooks knows that standing in front of her students and teaching does more than introduce them to the history of African Americans--it helps form the next generation of social justice advocates. "What we teach has the potential to change society," says Brooks. "This department is a good place for anybody who hasn't been introduced to the African world, and has only seen U.S. history from a certain vantage point." Brooks knows that the history of African Americans in the U.S. is a history that belongs to everyone, and she welcomes all students in her classroom. "We love our students--all of them," she says. "I like to think of my department as an ambassador to the next generation. We have an empowering, important history to share with our students, one that belongs to all of us. For Black students especially, African American studies offers a special opportunity to be the leaders, teachers, and participants in their own rich history--a history which informs the experiences of their own daily lives. Leave your biases at the door and be willing to learn--this can help you connect with the community that you've come from." A Q&A with Pamela Brooks: Research Interests: Women within Liberation Movements Course Offerings: History of the African American People Oberlin Students as Social Justice Advocates
		Please send comments, questions, and suggestions about Oberlin Online news and feature articles to online.news@oberlin.edu.