Autobiography of William Sanders Scarborough: An American Journey from Slavery to Scholarship

William Sanders Scarborough's autobiography traces his path from slavery to a prominent scholarly career, advocating for the intellectual capability of African Americans and the teaching of liberal arts. Michele Valerie Ronnick contextualizes his narrative with extensive notes and explores various sources, making the book invaluable for understanding the history of intellectual endeavor in America, Africana studies, and classical studies.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 448 pages
\n Publication date: 01 October 2021
\n Publisher: Wayne State University Press
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William Sanders Scarborough's autobiography is a captivating account of his journey from slavery in Macon, Georgia, to a remarkable scholarly career that culminated in his presidency of Wilberforce University. Despite facing immense racism as he fought for African Americans to gain access to higher education, Scarborough emerged as an exceptional scholar, particularly in the field of classical studies. He held prestigious memberships in the Modern Language Association, American Philological Association, and other scholarly organizations, advocating for the importance of liberal arts education at a time when illiteracy was prevalent due to slavery's legacy.

Scarborough's unwavering commitment to intellectual pursuits stood in stark contrast to the dismissive attitudes of white supremacists and Booker T. Washington's emphasis on industrial skills and training. He tirelessly promoted the reading, writing, and teaching of liberal arts, recognizing their potential to empower individuals and challenge the prevailing societal norms. His unwavering dedication to education and his role as a trailblazer in the black scholar's intellectual tradition make his autobiography an invaluable resource for historians, scholars of Africana studies, and classical studies, as well as those who are familiar with the associations and institutions that welcomed and valued Scarborough.

Michele Valerie Ronnick's meticulous research and contextualization of Scarborough's narrative through extensive notes and a wide range of sources further enhance the book's significance. This comprehensive work provides a deep understanding of Scarborough's life and contributions, making it an essential read for anyone interested in the history of intellectual endeavor in America, Africana studies, and classical studies.

\n Weight: 660g\n
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 30 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780814332252\n \n