In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

Acknowledgments This book has not been an individual endeavor. Several colleagues and friends contributed to it and sustained me through the writing process. James Anderson, Anthony Antonio, Ronald Butchart, Larry Cuban, and David Tyack read various chapters at different stages. They were very generous with their time, and their expertise greatly improved the manuscript. James Anderson, in particular, has always made room in his busy schedule to read various drafts and offer advice on any and every part of the manuscript. I cannot express how grateful I am to him. Also, the archivists at the University of Illinois, including Bill Maher, Chris Prom, Ellen Swain, and Bob Chapel, made the arduous task of combing through materials a much easier process than it could have been. Their knowledge of archival holdings at the university was invaluable. Jane Mohraz’s editing substantially improved this book. In every writing venture my family has provided support, emotional and otherwise. My parents, Willard and Donna Williamson, and my sister, Julie, continually check in to make sure I am on track and offer support regardless. Rod Sias has been a close confidant and constant source of strength. A postdoctoral fellowship from the National Academy of Education and the Spencer Foundation allowed me the time to concentrate on the work and finish it in a timely fashion. Generous support from Stanford University also helped bring this book to fruition. Parts of the introduction and chapter 1 are substantially revised and expanded versions of an article entitled “In Defense of Themselves: The Black Student Struggle for Success and Recognition at Predominantly xii Acknowledgments White Colleges and Universities,” which appeared in the Journal of Negro Education 68, no. 1 (Winter 1999): 92–105. This project would not have become a reality were it not for my interviewees , who showed an interest in the project, graciously opened their homes and memories, and continue to support my career. I believe I am part of their legacy and consider this book an attempt to give back to those who helped make Illinois a more diverse, hospitable, and academically rewarding campus. In particular, I am indebted to Clarence Shelley, the first director of the Special Educational Opportunities Program and now associate vice chancellor emeritus. I am only one of many students who has benefited from his presence at Illinois. His retirement from Illinois ended over thirty years of service to Black students in particular and the university in general. He will be missed. ...

Share