Memoirs of a Black Philosopher

Memoirs of a Black Philosopher chronicles the life and times of Richard A. Jones, who experienced the dislocations and disillusionments of Black people in the great migration of Southern Blacks to Northern cities. He recalls the educational trauma brought on by Brown v Board and his struggles to attain an education, culminating in a bachelors degree in mathematics from Minot State University in 1970. Jones then began a new career as a high school mathematics teacher, but was never satisfied with his "education." He completed an MA in philosophy at the University of Denver and a PhD program at the University of Colorado at the age of forty-nine, and teaches philosophy at Kansas State University. He becomes the Co-coordinator of the Radical Philosophy Association (RPA) and participates in conferences in Cuba and South Africa, where he sees the peoples struggles with global capitalism. Jones left Howard in 2013 and continues his "philosophical praxes" in contemplation and writing.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 308 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2024
Publisher: University Press of America

Memoirs of a Black Philosopher is a captivating chronicle that delves into the life and experiences of Richard A. Jones. Within these memoirs, Jones vividly portrays the dislocations and disillusionments experienced by Black individuals during the significant migration of Southern Blacks to Northern cities. He reminisces about the educational trauma inflicted by the landmark Brown v Board decision, as well as his education in the inner-city public schools of Washington, DC, and Detroit, Michigan.

After completing his higher education at Fisk and Howard Universities, Jones embarked on an educational diaspora, attending Midwestern universities. His unwavering pursuit of education culminated in earning a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Minot State University in 1970. Following his roles as a federal Head Start director, Marketing representative at IBM, and college Minority Affairs Director, Jones embarked on a new career as a high school mathematics teacher. However, his thirst for knowledge remained unquenched, leading him to pursue a new direction in academic philosophy.

After completing an MA in philosophy at the University of Denver, Jones embarked on a Ph.D. program at the University of Colorado at the age of forty-nine. His academic journey was marked by dedication and perseverance, culminating in the completion of his degree. Following his Ph.D., Jones returned to Howard University, where he concluded his teaching career. However, his philosophical pursuits extended beyond the classroom, as he became the Co-coordinator of the Radical Philosophy Association (RPA). Through his political activism with RPA, Jones witnessed the struggles of people against global capitalism, participating in conferences in Cuba and South Africa.

Jones left Howard in 2013, but his philosophical endeavors continued in contemplation and writing. His story is a testament to the unending struggle for human dignity, reflecting the complexities and challenges faced by individuals in a diverse and ever-changing world.

ISBN-13: 9780761874300