Black Radical Imagination: Dismantling Gatekeepers of Black Consciousness in Scholarly Spaces for Research and Future Publications

Abstract What would it mean for Black American art educators and students to have a space that radically re-imagines ownership in scholarship? What does Black radical imagination look like in academic spaces of research, conferences, and publications to produce a vision of equity? This article explores how academic conferences often serve as a precursor to publishing and a platform for re-imagining radical spaces and addressing the accessibility of scholarly information. I critically examine the role of self-appointed gatekeepers of Black consciousness who act as experts on Black culture, often distorting or eliminating historical information in publications and conferences. Using the conceptual framework of Black radical imagination, I center Black consciousness to decolonize academic spaces and challenge access to Black scholarship. I share my experiences and the reflections of a first-time Black art education student attendee on the impact of academic gatekeepers’ lack of empathy toward Black American history and culture. I advocate for radical approaches by Black scholars to re-envision Black futures, fostering radical hope amidst the challenges of researching and publishing opportunities.