Banned Books and Miseducation - 5/23/2022

Conversation Overview

In this final Messy Conversation of the Spring quarter, Dr. Mimms & Dr. Parker-Gills will explore the history and recent return of the racialized banning of books, miseducation, and the pursuit of educational justice.   

Dr. Maxine Mimms' work has focused on serving the educational needs of urban, African American adult learners, as well as teaching inner-city adults.  She is a founder and director of The Evergreen State College 's Tacoma campus.  Well into her 90s, she is known as "feisty and outspoken academic whose unorthodox style has often ruffled feathers in the placid Pacific Northwest" (Essence, 1997).

Dr. Elaine Parker-Gills is an adjunct professor at Antioch University Los Angeles. She has extensive experience teaching African American Studies courses in the Undergraduate Studies division, as well as courses in the graduate Education Department.  Dr. Gills also served as Vice-President of Community Engagement at Community Build, Inc. and is the founder of the W.E.B. DuBois Academic Institute.  Additionally, Dr. Gills is a guest lecturer, consultant, and community activist.