Is it preferable to instruct people who hype homoeroticism and tout transgenderism? It seems to be for a New York professor — at least in the case of a season-long writing extravaganza. And the teacher has a no-exceptions rule: All students must be black.
Syracuse University Assistant Professor of Political Science Jenn M. Jackson is teaching a writing workshop this summer. It comes courtesy of Colored Convos Media, an LLC of which she’s co-founder.
The mission statement from ColoredConvos.com:
To create a generative and intentional space for Black and queer content creators to be paid to cultivate their writing and creative talents.
“Black folks deserve support for our work,” the homepage says. Speaking of support, you’re welcome to donate — to aid a certain kind of candidate:
We are supporting Black, queer, trans/nonbinary, womxn/femmes, and disabled folx for college applications, workshop fees, fellowships, and other writing support. Special priority for students who are first-gen and/or applying to HBCUs. We will cover application fees for as many students as we can.
Colored Convos is promoting its 2023 Summer Writing Programs, described thusly:
The writing group will consist of structured reflection and inspiration time, intention setting, and Pomodoro-style writing intervals. Group members will also elect accountability partners to work with them throughout the session. It will consist of scheduled sharing and feedback sessions meant to move existing work toward publication or completion (maximum of 20 session members).
The two sessions — each three weeks in length — cost $40 per or $75 for both. It’s an undeniable bargain, but there’s a colorful catch. Additionally, attendees must agree to give honor to an exclusive set of citizens. Relatedly, it might be best if participants are queer; but that isn’t required:
While you do not have to be queer to participate in the spaces, you do have to be Black and you must be committed to centering and honoring the lives and experiences of all queer and trans people.
Not long ago, racial unity was an American ideal. We’ve moved on — or back — to specialization in matters of melanin:
Professor Prescribes ‘Reregulation’ to Help White People Stop Their Racist Violence
When Caucasians Cut Rugs: Dance School Boots Ballet Because It’s Wickedly White
TU Segregates Students for ‘Antiracism’ Training, Hails the Absence of Whites as ‘Magical’
Professor on ‘Diversity and Inclusion’ Panel Announces She Keeps Away From White People
Black Student Union Demands More Black-Only Housing
College Symposium Razes the Anti-Black Racism of ‘Good’ Grammar
Yale Avenges Slaves, Reverses Racism — by Paying for Black Students to Leave the State
Professor Insists Anti-Cheating Rules Aren’t Fair to ‘Black and Latinx’ Students
Science Journal Decries Racism in Geology, Claims Blacks Are Too Scared to Hold Hammers
Professor Jenn boasts her own website, which paints a picture of the person:
Jackson’s primary research is in Black Politics with a focus on group threat, gender and sexuality, political behavior, and social movements. Jackson also holds affiliate positions in African American Studies, Women’s and Gender Studies, and LGBT Studies. They are a Senior Research Associate at The Campbell Public Affairs Institute at the Maxwell School at Syracuse University, as well.
Jenn loves all people who are black:
Jenn M. Jackson (they/them) is a queer genderflux androgynous Black woman, an abolitionist, a lover of all Black people, and an Assistant Professor at Syracuse University in the Department of Political Science.
An old adage is “Teach what you know.” Perhaps add to that, “Teach who you love.”
For a sizable part of its history, the U.S. was compared to a melting pot. Being an American, it was said, bonded us all. We’ve since become congealed, our intersectional pieces partitioned. And now for those in the slice of humanity that’s black and queer — or at least black and especially enthused over gender identity and same-sex acts — a prose-packed summer awaits.