Author: Kyra Shahid, PhD

Book Summary:

Anti-Black Racism and Epistemic Violence (2018) explores the impact of racism on the concept and production of knowledge, particularly in the lives of Black college students in the United States. Its contents are both autobiographic and creatively conceptual, as this work represents not only an analysis of anti-Black racism and epistemic violence but a response to it from students who live the metaphysical dilemma of Black conscious intelligence on a daily basis.  This book is a seed planted as a result of an undergraduate course that the author created and implemented in order to give students academic space to explore the impact that recent killings of unarmed Black American citizens by police, court rulings, media activity, and acts of public protest were having on their education.  This book provides strategies for counter-resistance, restoration, and healing concerning anti-black racism and epistemic violence. 

About Dr. Shahid: 

Kyra Shahid, Ph.D., is a diversity thought-leader and a purpose-driven educator. Her work helps college students to make connections between their calling/purpose, career aspirations, and service needed throughout the world. Kyra has delivered several keynote speeches and facilitated various dialogues and programs related to race, culture, spirituality, and leadership in higher education. Her many passions and professional experiences reflect a particular commitment to empowering marginalized youth to make their dreams a reality.

Dr. Shahid has a wealth of knowledge on leadership for diverse communities and has published book chapters and articles in addition to the use of less conventional platforms such as TEDx and spoken word engagements. Kyra earned her B.A. in Broadcast Media from Central State University, and her M.S. and Ph.D. from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Her dissertation examined the use of spirituality as a tool for navigating academia among Black women faculty. Kyra has a passion for developing purpose-driven leaders and been recognized as a rising star in her field.

Currently, Kyra serves as Director of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. She is also Vice President of Educational Initiatives for the Bryant Leadership Group. For more information on Dr. Kyra Shahid visit kyrashahid.com.