The Professor Who Ran Away

College Park, MD 20742-4451

0305 Marie Mount Hall

University of Maryland

THE FacultyThe Voice IN THIS ISSUE:

Taking Health Communication to Zimbabwe, p. 2 FACULTY Celebrating Dr. Maravene Loeschke, p. 4 Curtains?: The Future of the Arts in America, p. 5 Two Poems by Bill Hanna, p. 7

More on the Web at facultyvoice. umd.edu University of MarylandVOICE November 2015 Vol. 31 No. 1 The Professor Who Ran Away to me: (1) In general I don’t think the general By Professor ‘X’ public has an inkling of what goes into ensur- ing their travel is as safe and trouble-free as How it started possible, (2) It is of paramount importance to I was a newly-minted Ph.D. Just prior to ensure that if, during an emergency landing, graduation I had accepted a job with a large an airplane has ‘safely’ left the end of the run- federal agency; one which actually did very way and would have no further damage than good, cutting-edge, research. As gradua- the wheels being stuck in the soft sand of the tion approached I was simultaneously look- runway run-off area, that equipment from an ing for housing at the new location, getting experiment doesn’t inadvertently kill them, ready for my defense, searching for a mov- (3) the stacks of paper and meetings needed Bill Hanna, longtime UMCP faculty ing company….Upon graduation I used the just to get clearance to install a single experi- member, social activist, and editor of short amount of downtime between my aca- ment on an active runway is astronomical, the Faculty Voice, died September 18. demic stint and my new role as public servant and (4) I might actually die of old-age before He had laid out much of this issue of re-locating and trying to make the transition I had gotten clearance to install even a single the Voice, with an emphasis on Africa, as smooth as possible. My selected agency experiment. particularly African women. For a cele- was responsible for dealing with all aspects Somewhere in all of this, I was asked to go bration of Bill’s life, see pages 2, 4 & 8.

College Park, MD

Non-Profit Org.

Permit No. 10

of air-travel: ground operations, controller op- represent the agency at a conference and to U.S. Postage

erations, in-flight, airport capacity .…The divi- try to find some suitable engineering students PAID sion in which I would be working performed who might be candidates for employment at research into the measurement and under- our agency. During one of my breaks from standing of wake-vortices. The phenomena the agency’s booth, I was wandering around of wake vortices directly affects how closely and saw a guy with a name tag which read spaced two aircraft can be when approach- ‘Dean - XYZ University’. My parents were in- ing the runway for landing. This spacing in creasing in age and it wouldn’t hurt to live a turn directly affects airport capacity. bit closer; working at ‘XYZ University’ would This was a very interesting and fulfilling job enable that to happen. We talked a bit and and one which I looked forward to every day. arranged a visit and an interview. Despite ev- eryone’s best efforts, the first attempt didn’t work out, so I had to stay at ‘Agency X’ a bit Somewhere in longer than anticipated. Was this a message, the Middle a harbinger of things to come? I settled back Eventually, I was given charge to develop into my agency job – which I actually did still and implement an experiment to instrument enjoy – and waited patiently. Eventually an one of the runways at JFK International Air- offer did arrive for the upcoming Fall semes- port in New York to measure jet-blast, anoth- ter and I finally made my move – off to Aca- Maravene Loeschke, recent past presi- er factor which can impact airport capacity. demia. dent of Towson University, died last Things began smoothly enough: the class This experience pointed out several things June 25. See page 4. Professor ‘X’, Continued on page 3 The Underrepresentation of African Women in the Women Teachers in Past Five Decades Sub-Saharan Africa By Gloria Chuku By Nelly P. Stromquist that of boys. In sub-Saharan Africa, Professor of Africana Studies and girls represent about 47% of prima- Affiliate Professor of Gender and Professor, International Education ry school enrollment, but going into Women’s Studies, and Language, Lit- Policy, UMCP secondary their presence drops dra- matically. It is estimated that 54% of eracy and Culture Ph.D. Program at In countries with substantially fewer girls of junior high school age are not the University of Maryland, Baltimore girls than boys in education, there attending school. Over the past 10 County. is often a cycle of gender disparity years, global policies with great vis- that is difficult to break: few girls in ibility such as Education for All and Introduction school means few women teachers; the Millennium Development Goals few women teachers means few girls have sought gender parity at both The past five decades have wit- in school. Increasing the presence levels of education, but unfortunately nessed a dramatic expansion of stud- of women teachers in such countries the goal was reached in only a few ies and literature on African women’s has been found to promote girls’ en- sub-Saharan African countries. The history. There have equally been ongo- rollment and permanence in school, presence of women teachers is cor- ing critical debates on the connections Professor Gloria Chuku as parents trust women teachers and respondingly low—about 25% of between African women’s history and girl students have a role model. the teaching force at the secondary their current status in society; as well debates on African women’s roles and Long considered a distant conti- school level for the region, with some as on the issues of economic develop- status since independence by focus- nent, Africa is receiving increased well below this proportion. ment, aid and women’s agency; and on ing on three key areas: formal educa- attention by policy makers and re- Within this reality, over the past five women’s political participation in differ- tion, political participation and economic searchers, and the mainstream press years researchers in the Interna- ent African countries. Efforts are being development. What role have African has not overlooked Africa’s election tional Education Policy Program in made to correct and present more bal- women played in these three spheres of a woman president (in Liberia) the College of Education have been anced and nuanced accounts of African and how have they been impacted by years before this may happen in the exploring the factors and dynam- women’s history against the typical por- Western-style education and by political US. Yet the participation of African ics that account for the low propor- trayal that they totally lack in autonomy and economic policies pursued in their girls in education—critical as it is— tion of women teachers. This team and are objects and victims of custom- respective countries? What were the shows large disparities compared to comprises Professors Steven Klees, ary subjectivity and patriarchal control. gains made, the challenges and linger- This essay explores some of these Continued on page 3 Continued on page 6 An Independent Faculty Newspaper Edited at College Park by and for all faculty members in the University System of Maryland 2 The Faculty Voice November 2015

Bill Hanna, Social Activist, Humanitarian and Editor of The Faculty Voice

By Judith Hanna, lege Park (UMD), from 1978 to 2013. profit Action Langley Park in 1998 and daughters), Estonia, USSR, Israel, At UMD he was in the Department of organized annual health and job fairs Turkey, Jordan, Mexico, Jamaica, Wife, Lover and Friend Urban Studies and Planning, empha- and folklórico performances. He wrote Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and Ecuador William John Hanna (Bill), resident sizing the challenges of planning and the biweekly newsletter, Barrio de (where he tried to learn Spanish), Ja- of Bethesda, Maryland, was born in policy-making when crossing cultures. Langley Park. He gave many lectures pan, Korea, and Indonesia. Music was Cleveland and later moved to Los An- He was devoted to his students, some on Latino health at the National Insti- salve to his soul and he was a theater geles. He passed away from cancer of whom have remained family friends tutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland. buff. New operas and folk music were and was buried in Hollywood Forever over the years. He took students to The Takoma/Langley Crossroads De- of special interest. He wrote poetry Cemetery near his parents’ graves. Mexico for summer field work. A stu- velopment Authority and the Maryland and created Photoshop art, work that He did not want any funeral or memo- dent field research project in Langley National Capital Park and Planning appeared in his self-published book- rial service. Park, a community near the university, Commission gave him awards for dis- lets. Bill was a big sports enthusiast, After being a world competition led to Bill’s long term involvement with tinguished community service. played tennis, and followed bas- bridge player, he earned a Ph.D. at the immigrants from Central America, In 2005 Bill became editor of the ketball, soccer, tennis, and golf. He UCLA in political science. Bill and Africa, and Asia. quarterly Faculty Voice (distributed to coached his sons’ soccer teams and his anthropologist wife, Judith Lynne Bill was an activist fighting injustice the 10,000+ faculty members on Mary- when they went off to college, a girls’ Hanna, conducted research on stu- at the university and Langley Park. land’s 13 campuses). He solicited and team. A sense of humor and optimism dents and politics and the relationship Not infrequently he went out in the wrote articles, including occasional carried him through life. between urban areas and the national middle of the night to help a student or restaurant reviews, doing page layout Bill is survived by his wife of 53 3/4 governments in Nigeria and Uganda. immigrant in distress. An advocate for and copyediting. Bill enjoyed discover- years, their son Shawn, daughter-in- His films and audio recordings for his minorities, against bureaucracies and ing faculty members in any discipline law Aletha and grandsons Merrick, wife’s research there and in Kenya are gentrification, he supported preserv- who did unique work. In inviting them 10 years, and Sagan 5 years, and his archived at the Library of Congress. ing neighborhood schools, affordable to share their voices with the broad son Aaron, daughter-in-law Florence He encouraged and supported Judith housing, food trucks, health, and small academic community, he was continu- and fraternal twin grandsons Emil and in becoming a widely published schol- businesses. He took up the cause of ally expanding his horizons. Adrian, 6 years. ar/writer. neighborhood Salvadoran women In the US Bill loved meeting people Bill Hanna loved life and wanted to Bill taught for 54 years at Michigan street vendors who sold fruit & soft from different parts of the world and live to 120. He didn’t make it, but he State University, the City University drinks and provided social settings tasting their food. He traveled to experienced a rich and varied life. He of New York, University of Texas at and home-country cultural continuity. Canada, Italy, France, UK, Norway, touched the lives of many all over the Dallas (where he was also a dean), Bill founded the neighborhood non- Sweden, Finland (place of our au pair world. and the University of Maryland, Col-

Taking Health Communication to Zimbabwe

modern mass communication theory, Daniel Lerner, at MIT that greatly influenced his own approaches. Haider studied at Michigan State University, where he met Dr. Alfred E. Opubor, the first African professor to receive a Ph.D. in mass communication. Opubor was an expert in THE FACULTY VOICE is published by and communication for development, who for the faculties of the University System of used mass media to lift formerly colo- Maryland. It is an independent newspaper dedicated to supplying an open forum nized nations from ignorance, poverty, to discuss and debate institutional and and disease. He heavily influenced intellectual matters of common concern Dr. Haider’s future work at the United to the faculty and to broadening faculty States Agency for International De- opportunities to participate in the life of our velopment (USAID). Because 40% of academic community. Circulation: 10,000 diseases can be prevented through Editor: behavior change, the USAID allocates 40% of its budget to health communi- William J. Hanna cation ([email protected]) In 2005, the Speaker’s Bureau of Editorial Board: International Information Programs at the State Department started the pro- Jim Baxter gram that sponsored his recent trip to ([email protected]) Zimbabwe. He first went to Tajikistan Steve Brush (emeritus) and India, implementing successful ([email protected]) programs for health communication. He later traveled to Africa. Zimbabwe, Rudolph Castellani as reported by The Sunday News, ([email protected]) a local newspaper, has an “HIV and Michelle Flinchbaugh Aids prevalence rate standing at 14.2 ([email protected]) percent,” which necessitates “behav- Ellin Scholnick iour change [be] taken as a seri¬ous ([email protected]) preventative measure.” But how could this occur? According to the The Nelly Stromquist Sunday News, “Prof Haider said the ([email protected]) most-at-risk populations need to be Dr. Muhiuddin Haider making a presentation on health communication James Whitney addressed on the importance of be- ([email protected]) haviour change through the most in- fluential people that live among them.” By James Gachau tion. This echoed what Dr. Haider told Layout Editor: Haider is originally from Bangladesh. The Faculty Voice underlies effective His interest in health communication James Gachau Dr. Muhiuddin Haider, Clinical Pro- communication: while the content is ([email protected]) fessor in Global Health in the Univer- started in the late 1960s when over- important, the person delivering it is sity of Maryland Institute for Applied population was a big problem leading also key. The Zimbabwean Ministry Founding Editor: Environmental Health and the Horow- to the introduction of family planning in of Health therefore has identified the Alan Pasch itz Center for Health Literacy, was the country. As a graduate assistant, need to build the capacity of journal- featured on the home page of UMD’s Haider did some work for the Family ists to mobilize their communities for Style note: The Faculty Voice uses the website earlier this year for his work in Planning Research and Evaluation behavior change, and this is where word “data” as a plural noun; “who” and global health. Dr. Haider possesses a Center in Dhaka, the Bangladeshi Haider’s expertise comes in. He told “whom” are used when referring to people, unique and rare combination of skills capital. This grew into wider and deep- not “that”; and members of a faculty (or staff) The Faculty Voice that the country’s are referred to as “faculty members” (“staff which enables him to design health er interest in delivering effective com- young journalists, through their Young members”), not “faculty” (“staff”). programs, sell those programs to munication about reproductive health. Health Journalists Association, have communities and assess the behav- He started to ask such questions as, expressed a keen interest in health Please submit articles, letters and proposals ioral and health changes that occur. “Do people have the right information? to the Editor of The Faculty Voice via email journalism, and he is therefore likely to at [email protected] or to any member The featured story was about his Sep- Do they interpret it correctly? How do visit the country again sometime soon of the Editorial Board. tember 2014 mission to Zimbabwe, they use it?” He worked as a student to carry on the work. His successful where he helped build the capacity volunteer with the agency then known programs also have implications for of Zimbabwean journalists for better as the United States Information Ser- The Faculty Voice is revamping its some health problems in the United editorial operations, and we seek a few health communication. The Faculty vice, now functioning within the State States. interested faculty members from any Voice caught up with him earlier this Department and responsible for pub- institutions in the University System. If semester for a sit-down interview to lic information and diplomacy. It was *The author, originally from Ke- you might be interested in being part discuss how he acquired his own ca- during this time that he attended a nya, is a doctoral student in jour- of the editorial process, contact us at pacity for effective health communica- seminar led by the famed founder of nalism studies [email protected]. November 2015 The Faculty Voice 3

Professor ‘X’, continued from page 1 load was reasonable (or, so I initially hope of passing the course. This lowed by the interviews themselves a thing. One day I happened to be thought until I went to a conference was one of the many turning points which must be arranged over dif- in the Department Chair’s office on and heard what ‘typical’ class loads along my road of academic employ- fering time-zones. We interviewed one, or another unrelated issue and were for other faculty doing re- ment. candidates by phone and/or Sky- he’s putting on a tie. I casually in- search). I was given a one course re- Then came the tenure process. pe. We vetted the candidates and quire “….going to an affair…” “yes,” lease, an office, and some lab space; I was turned down…twice, even handed in our report, but somehow he replies, “it’s a thank-you func- as I mentioned, not bad. The courses I taught were math-intensive, so be- though my package cleared all of our selections are never contacted, tion for people who served on the ing somewhat naïve, my expecta- the internal reviews, i.e., the De- or we’re informed – at the end of tenure/promotion review commit- tions were that students who entered partment, the School, and, even this long process – that actually, tees.” “Hmmmm, odd”, I thought those courses actually had the nec- the Dean. Then, why is my package there is no money to hire anyone. since I hadn’t heard anything about essary math pre-requisites and skills being rejected by somebody, a little My time? Essentially wasted. the outcome of my submission. to successfully traverse the courses. bit further up the chain, who used Then there is the student who Probing further, I inquire: “Do you It is 1996, and my expectations are to teach ‘Biology’ many (many) didn’t do anything all of the prior know the outcome of my package?” not unfounded. Given, for example years ago and who has practically semester, turns in all of their sub- “Uhhh, I’m not sure, but I don’t think – and keeping the numbers simple – no knowledge of what goes on par work after the end of the se- you made it.” “OK, thanks.” Similar that I had a class of 25 students, 20 in my discipline? As I mentioned, mester, flunks, and has now made to my last P&T experience I think students would ‘cleanly’ pass and 5 would clearly flunk. The ‘beauty’ was this happened twice. At that point I a visit and/or sent a letter to every to myself “So that’s how it works.” – if you could look at it as such, that started clearing out my office, slow- administrative office at the Univer- Next, I try to contact various mem- the 5 students who flunked knew why ly – so as not to draw attention – but sity – the President, the Dean, the bers of the committee who are sup- they’d flunked, didn’t blame me – or, surely. As my shelves start to clear Department Head, … blaming me. posedly ‘in the know’ to try to get anybody else – and just resolved to – and the deadline for the third What they seem to not have under- some review of the review. Nobody do better next time (or, perhaps de- submission passes (I had already stood is that I have uniform stan- is returning my calls – for months. cided to throw in the towel on engi- resolved that, as Willie Nelson put dards which apply to every student. Mute. Dead silence. Not a peep. neering and switched to another ma- it, I’d be ‘….on the road, again’). The last straw – subjective, So, I started thinking long and hard jor). Then, out-of-the-blue I get a call though it might be – was my appli- – is it time to make the move that from somebody I didn’t know, and cation for Full Professor. I put the I’ve been waffling over for so long? The Beginning had never met “….do you have any package in on time with glowing Somewhere over the Winter Break new material that you can just put reference letters from students (the of 2014 I made the decision – I’d of the End together and get to our office ….?” ones who actually studied, learned, had enough, I’m leaving. Fast-forward to approximately “Sure”, I reply and I did. Lo and be- and appreciated my teaching), in- In the end I don’t regret too much 2006. I’m sitting in a faculty meet- hold – tenure and promotion, grant- ternal and external research collab- of my experience at XYZ Univer- ing; the discussion is about student ed. “Oh, so that’s how it works”, I orators, other department heads, sity, nor do I regret making the retention, performance, and class thought to myself. Unfortunately, I and external entities for whom I move I made. I took my successful attendance. I’m there, paying atten- watched as several of my other col- had either helped their students, or part-time consulting/design busi- tion, awake, or so I thought, when I leagues didn’t get the call and truly done pro-bono work. Yes, I admit, I ness full-time, people tell me I look have to do a double-take on the last were on the road again, or, at the could have used more journal pa- (much) happier, and more relaxed. statement I hear “…. and maybe we least taken off tenure-track and re- pers (who couldn’t?). My research It hasn’t been particularly easy – can call them at home, to get them classified to ‘Lecturer’. I comforted group had been invited to present while I’m eligible for most of the to come to class….” No, clearly myself with the facts that a lot of at international conferences and same research opportunities that I my ears are deceiving me. But, no, the students are coming in ‘mostly’ had done some very nice original, was eligible for at the University, it again, they are not. That was the prepared and math ready, though I non-derivative, research which had is a bit harder sell. I’m working ev- actual statement. I try not to cre- noticed the long-term trend is that been published in journals. We’d ery bit as hard as I worked at the ate too much commotion at faculty I’m spending more time on funda- designed successful algorithms, University – and, I worked hard. meetings as the sooner we cover mentals which should have been and had done not only theoretical Now, though, I’m actually working all the ‘necessary’ information, the obtained in prior classes. research but designed and built harder. But, you know, in the end I sooner I’m back to my office/lab Fast-forward again to Fall 2014. hardware to prove and support our sleep much better. doing productive work. However, I’m appointed to head a Faculty theories. at this point I have to respond; “… Search committee. I spend count- I was waiting to hear something Professor X was at a four-year- I’m not calling anybody at home ...” less hours vetting resumes, making about the outcome of my package, plus public university in Maryland. If a student can’t make it to class calls, organizing the internal com- the notification date having come by themselves they have almost no mittee and setting up interviews, fol- and gone, and I still hadn’t heard

The Underrepresentation of Women Teachers in Sub-Saharan Africa Continued from page 1

and agreements with the ministries limit the contact these future women of education of those countries. teachers can have with their im- This is to secure their participation mediate families. The conditions of and ownership of a plan whose pri- residential schools are precarious, orities would be determined through often with inadequate subsidies for consultation with key players in the food and other necessities. Once educational arena of their respec- in the field, women teachers experi- tive society. ence serious hardships in both city The study was designed so that and rural life. Transportation to and information about teachers would from urban area schools can easily be obtained from teachers in pre- take an hour each way and often service programs, i.e., those in two connections using crowded and teacher training schools, as well as unreliable buses and moto-taxis. In from teachers already practicing in rural areas, distance adds an ele- the field. This way we could assess ment of danger due to isolation and, conditions as experienced at two in rainy season, unpassable roads. critical moments of the teaching ca- Affecting women in persistent and reer. Practicing teachers in the study debilitating ways in rural areas is the included those with a good range of lack of safe and appropriate hous- experience, from recent graduation ing. Arriving in unfamiliar towns and to over 20 years in the profession. having to find suitable rental hous- The study was also designed to ing on an immediate basis becomes Picture courtesy of “free stock photos”: http://imgarcade.com/1/afri- cover both urban and rural settings. a nightmare. For women with chil- can-classroom/ Despite differences in history, co- dren this critical situation is magni- lonial experience, and degree of fied; such basic facilities as health Jing Lin, and Nelly Stromquist. We istries and agencies), international economic well-being, strong com- posts and markets are also limited. began by conducting studies in Li- non-governmental officials, and lo- monalities emerged in the studies of Secondary school teachers—as in beria that focused on primary school cal and national non-governmental Liberia, Tanzania, Togo, and Ugan- all countries—face greater prepara- teachers, then moved to secondary organizations (NGOs). The re- da. Cultural norms pressure women tion demands than primary school school teachers in Tanzania, Togo search on secondary school teach- in sub-Saharan Africa to become teachers. For women teachers in and Uganda. Using qualitative ers was done in collaboration with mothers at a young age, which societies that assign women almost methods that consisted of interviews the largest and oldest NGO in the means that many women in teacher full responsibility for provision of and focus groups, we got in touch world that focuses on girls’ educa- training programs already have chil- care at home, preparation time for with a wide range of stakeholders— tion: the Forum for African Women dren to take care of. Teacher training courses invades family time and re- from future and current teachers to Educationalists (FAWE). A critical schools, usually residential, how- sults in labor that extends late into faculty in teacher training colleges, element of this research endeavor ever, do not recognize this typical the night, followed by early rising teachers’ union representatives, has been to translate the research situation. On the contrary, they set to prepare children and spouse for government officials (in ministries of findings into an action plan—an ef- up schedules and procedures that daily routines. While most teachers education and in other related min- fort that was built on conversations Continued on page 6 4 The Faculty Voice November 2015 Dr. Maravene Loeschke, President, Towson University, 2012 -2014

By Dean Esslinger, Professor requiring students to be prepared and Emeritus of History, Assoc. V P for be on time that one student who arrived International Education (Retired), late for a class brought a Maryland state Towson University trooper with her to testify that she was When Dr. Maravene Loeschke delayed in getting to campus because passed away on June 25 last summer of an accident on the beltway. the University System of Maryland lost Because of the high regard that fac- one of its best and most beloved univer- ulty members and administrators had sity presidents. Chosen to succeed Dr. for Dr. Loeschke, it was no surprise that Robert Caret in 2012, President Loe- she rose steadily through the Univer- schke’s tenure as the head of Towson sity from instructor to professor, from University was cut short by cancer after department chairperson to Dean of the only three years in office. Although her College of Fine Arts and Communica- presidency was brief, her time at Tow- tion, and eventually to the presidency. son covered 38 years and her impact No matter what the position, Maravene on the University was significant. left a strong impression. She was one of Her long-time connection to Towson the key members of faculty who helped began when she enrolled as a student the Theatre Department earn recogni- in 1965. A native of Parkville in Balti- tion for the quality of its students, such more County, she commuted to cam- as John Glover and Rock Dutton, who pus each day, graduating with a BA in went on to success on Broadway, TV, theater in 1969. Although her intent and Film. Likewise as a dean, she was was to pursue a career in acting, her instrumental in planning and designing plans abruptly changed when she was the expansion of the Center for the Arts persuaded to remain at Towson to fill a building. Through it all she continued temporary faculty position. That tem- to maintain her commitment to the arts porary position eventually grew into a by publishing books on theater. She life-long commitment to higher educa- wrote a well-regarded book on the art of tion as a teacher, writer, actor, and dedi- mime, a tribute to the women who cre- cated administrator. Along the way she ated and shaped community theaters in completed a Master’s degree in 1971 Photo Courtesy Towson University Baltimore, and wrote a book on Emily and a Ph.D. in 1976. Dickinson. A natural teacher, Maravene was pop- even though she was demanding. She make no compromises in pursuing their ular with her colleagues and students insisted that students work hard and academic goals. So firm was she in Continued on page 6 Tribute to Bill Hanna

Brit Kirwan ing but also a community that fostered ley Park, a non-profit organization he issues of the faculty newsletter that Bill Bill Hanna was a dear friend and val- a sense of shared purpose. He will be created to advocate for the immigrant has been so devoted to for years. ued colleague for over 30 years. I first sorely missed. community in the area and to encour- Based on this information, you can met Bill while serving as Vice President age their participation in community tell I didn’t know Bill very well. How- and Provost. From the moment of our Gaspar F. Colon life. He worked endlessly helping resi- ever, I can say that he treated me with initial encounter, I was impressed by Dr. Bill Hanna was a friend and col- dents and business owners to obtain fairness, humor and compassion as I his dedication to building a stronger league who passionately lived what the services they needed and to which was learning the ropes of putting to- community both within and without the he “preached” when it came to com- they were entitled. He raised the ire gether this publication. I had a particu- campus’ boundaries. Over the en- munity development, human rights, of many local government officials lar respect for his “day job” – Faculty suing years, I benefitted enormously government policy, gentrification is- for his advocacy. He was especially Voice was his hobby – since it was the from his ability to offer forthright but al- sues, neighborhood safety, and the in- concerned with how the police hand- same as my mother’s: professor of ways civil admonitions when he felt the volvement of average citizens to voice ed Hispanic immigrants, and showed Urban Studies and Planning. I deeply administration had erred. their concerns in community forums. cases in which the police were wrong. regret not asking him for more infor- Bill was fond of good food and rich His untiring work with Action Langley But since he was very pragmatic and mation about his community activism conversation. His restaurant reviews Park was an inspiration to those of us argued well, they came to appreciate in Langley Park and his progressive, became a staple and much read col- who taught Urban Ministry at other uni- him. working-class friendly views on urban umn in the Faculty Voice. Some of versities. Since 2002 I have had the As part of the master’s program, we planning. As usual, there was an op- my fondest memories of Bill are sitting privilege of serving with Bill in Action have a “studio” project. We select a portunity to learn and to be inspired, with him at his latest restaurant “find” Langley Park and other initiatives. planning issue in the surrounding com- and I did not reach for it. In Poland, we engaged in robust discussion on the As professor of practical theology and munity and work as a team to solve have a saying: “Hurry to love people, major issues of the day. He was a man director of The Center for Metropolitan a problem. One studio organized by for they are so quickly gone.” Bill’s who loved ideas and the opportunity Ministry at Columbia Union College Bill took us to Mexico City. He encour- passing makes those words as true as to explore those of others, especially (now Washington Adventist Univer- aged us every day to go into the field. a string of tears. over an enjoyable meal and a lingering sity), I was inspired, challenged, and We took the micro-buses to go to the We’ve had our awkward moments cup of coffee. mentored by Bill’s enthusiasm, whit, community we were studying. I re- – last April, after I announced coyly But, Bill was not just about ideas; he and vision for diverse communities member him standing up on the bus, and with excitement that I was expect- was also a man of action. Nowhere to strive and fight for the wellbeing of all doubled up to fit in it. ing a child, he wrote back with unex- was this quality better illustrated than its citizens. Bill was willing to lead the At his retirement party there was a pected cynicism: “Well, if pregnancy is his inspiring efforts to create Action charge in correcting ills that could only huge array of people: those from the what you want, then congratulations!”. Langley Park, a community center be voiced by the people in the com- university (colleagues and students), Even before I began working for him, dedicated to supporting the immigrant munity. His networking skills, his per- representatives of the Police Depart- I remember my outrage at one of his populations living in challenging cir- sistence, shamed many of us to wake ment, the local government, the busi- poems, published in the Faculty Voice, cumstances west of the campus. Not up and participate in actions that would ness community, community advo- about a professor’s grading dilemmas. only did this center assist countless improve and defend the quality of life cates, and personal friends. At this This oeuvre included a line where the residents of the area, it enabled Bill to of the inhabitants of Langley Park (and party, the Prince George’s County professor seemed to be taking into ac- provide his students in urban planning Prince Georges County). That is why Police made him an honorary police count a female student’s looks in his with a “living” laboratory where they I had many of my own Urban Ministry officer. grading decisions. Later I understood, could put into practice what they had students do their internships with Ac- as other mildly outraged feminists of learned in his classroom. tion Langley Park. Joanna Margueritte Nurmis College Park did, that he was trying Perhaps Bill will be best remembered Those of us who worked with Bill will “Congratulations on another well de- to artistically mock any professor who by most for his years of dedicated ser- always remember his penchant for signed issue. Peace, Bill.” As far as I would use such criteria. We didn’t get vice as contributor to and then editor listening to people and strengthening am concerned, as the last full time lay- it, but the incident was a reminder of of the Faculty Voice. His selfless and their voices for the reform and devel- out editor of Faculty Voice under Bill the pitfalls of the religion of political tireless devotion during his years as opment of their community. We will Hanna’s leadership – these were his correctness. After all, he was an old editor has sustained the paper. There never see community work the same. final words. They were addressed to man with a razor-sharp mind, and if he could be no better way to honor Bill’s We are changed because we walked me in an email on May 6th, after we wanted to write inappropriate poems memory and work than for others to by his side. Rest in Peace Bill—We will had just sent the fourth (and last) issue and publish them in God-awful Comic now take up the cudgel and continue continue to agitate. of the 2014/2015 year to the printer. Sans, who could cast a stone? this extremely valuable publication. Our working relationship was almost Bill never once hinted at his illness, With Bill’s passing, we have lost a Christine Melikian entirely virtual: after meeting once in his except in some of his poems and person of uncommon value to our com- I have known Bill since 1999 when I well-loved New Deal Café, in Green- at one point where he had to take a munity. Great universities are not just started my master’s in the Urban Stud- belt, we only ever corresponded by week off in hospital and our produc- built by amassing the collective work ies and Planning Program at UMD. He email - there was not even one phone tion schedule was delayed. I didn’t of its individual scholars and teachers. was my professor and academic men- call. At the beginning of my tenure as ask, and he didn’t tell, how serious his Great universities are ones where the tor. He was one of the most eclectic, layout editor, I was given a key to the condition was. I will miss him, and I am whole is greater than the sum of its inspiring, passionate persons I have Faculty Voice office, but I never once honored to have been his last full-time parts. I can think of few people over ever met. He was a terrific profes- used it. In fact, I lived in California the assistant on a publication he champi- my 51-year history at the university sor who got great debates going. He entire year we were producing issues oned and worked so tirelessly to put who better understood the importance wanted students to share ideas, espe- for distribution across the University together despite minimal support and of our university not being just a place cially if they opposed his. System of Maryland campuses. And in resources. that supported scholarship and learn- Bill was very active in Action Lang- this way we managed to bring out four Thank you, Bill! November 2015 The Faculty Voice 5 Senryū by Robert Deluty, UMBC/Psychology

a sophomore linguists debating young professor Capital of Chad? . . . wondering what part of the best surname for a judge: reading the student’s eval: the scholar, drawing a blank, speech is Zup Stern, Wise or Grace Too kind to morons fearing Alzheimer’s

her right-wing Dad frat hazing . . . old professor ESL student regarding Vassar and Smith forcing the Ole Miss freshman reading the student’s eval: assuming see-sucker as expensive cults to read Beowulf Needs to whiten teeth is pornographic

via e-mail English teacher college dean the professor a student asking Which genes referring to the past tense defining tenure as hoping that, in heaven, make you look fat? as back talk fire safety he’ll be called Doctor

post-commencement . . . doctoral defense . . . the biologist retiring Brown professor striving to remain focused screaming at his young son shredding his necktie despite shingles Evolve already!

linguists debating a college senior in rainy Stockholm, the worst surname for a nurse: explaining her absences: three Nobel winners sharing Paine, Schott or Hertz Parking’s tough one small umbrella

Books entiated, new art is the most The Faculty Voice hopes to note the publication of books by faculty and potent method for We must also teach arts leaders staff members, so readers-authors are encouraged to send us the neces- ensur- ing the and board members to do the sophis- sary information. In this issue, we note a book on the future of the arts. health ticated marketing required to build a o f unique institutional image. Market- ●Curtains?: The Future of entertainment, and, especially, the ing is far more than sending out online distribution of arts, all are con- the Arts in America brochures and emails; we spiring to make it increasingly difficult must create a dynamic set by Michael M. Kaiser, Chairman of for mid-sized regional arts institutions of events that present a com- the DeVos Institute of Arts Manage- and diverse, rural, and avant garde in- pelling case for participation. ment at the University of Maryland stitutions to survive. These organizations were created, for the most part, And we must work to build the Earlier this year, my book, Curtains? in the second half of the last century far larger families of supporters, The Future of the Arts in America, and have increased the availability audience members, and volunteers was published by Brandeis Univer- of arts to virtually all Americans. required to thrive in the future. In sity Press. The book reviews the particular, we must focus on the po- history of arts institutions in this na- But I was hoping to be more tency of our boards and ensure that tion, examines the many factors that than a Cassandra in writing our boards change and evolve as have been affecting these institu- this book. I believe there are our organizations grow and mature. tions in the past decade, and proj- specific steps arts institu- ects into future to ask: if prevailing tions and arts funders These steps are vital. People have trends continue, what will the arts can take to prevent a our been creating art for millennia and ecology look like 20 years from now? substantial reduction in arts will continue to do so. But the insti- arts accessibility over the com- institu- tutions that support the delivery of The picture is not a pretty one. The ing decades. We must encourage the tions in art and that produce the art that re- massive reduction of arts education development of exciting, transforma- the face of quires ensemble (orchestras, dance in our public schools, the aging of our tional arts projects. In too many in- online competition. companies, theater companies) are audience and donor base, the reduc- stances, arts institutions have become Mounting these projects precious; losing them will dimin- tion in the number of subscriptions too conservative in their art-making; in requires a longer- term artistic plan ish the quality of life for all of us. sold by most arts institutions, the avail- fear of taking risks, they have become that most institutions currently create. ability of alternative online sources of boring. Creating important, differ- Image courtesy of amazon.com News and Notes MORE NEWS AND NOTES at FACULTYVOICE.UMD.EDU Chinese Students May 2015) Control and Prevention to partner with processing power to researchers from A startling number of Chinese stu- the government of Botswana to create both institutions. It is roughly the size dents are getting kicked out of Ameri- The University of Maryland Chil- treatment programs. (Balt. Sun) of 100 refrigerators. The center is to can colleges. According to a white dren’s Hospital Tuesday unveiled a be located near the Johns Hopkins paper published by WholeRen, a new expanded $30 million neonatal Kevin Kornegay, Morgan State Bayview Medical Center campus in Pittsburgh-based consultancy, an es- intensive care unit that will offer more A Morgan State University research Baltimore but will also be accessible timated 8,000 students from China specialty treatments. The Drs. Rouben team has received a grant for nearly remotely to researchers. were expelled from universities and and Violet Jiji Neonatal Intensive Care $1 million from the National Science Patrick O’Shea, vice president for re- colleges across the United States in Unit was opened in conjunction with Foundation. The funding will go to- search at the University of Maryland, 2013-4. The vast majority of these the University of Maryland School of ward a project addressing security thinks that the center reflects a trend students—around 80 percent—were Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics. data issues in electronic devices. The of data analytics. “Taking advantage of removed due to cheating or failing The school’s division of neonatology research team — led by Morgan State the revolutionary potential of research their classes. As long as universities will provide advanced treatments for electrical and computer engineering involving large data sets to transform have existed, students have found a premature babies, including nutri- professor Kevin T. Kornegay — re- knowledge and improve human lives way to get expelled from them. But the tional management and surgical in- ceived a Research Infrastructure requires expanding the computing re- prevalence of expulsions of Chinese terventions for birth defects including for Science and Engineering award, sources available to researchers. This students should be a source of alarm congenital heart disease, abdominal which targets historically black col- new joint supercomputing center will for American university administrators. wall defects, cleft lip/palate repair and leges and universities. do just that.” According to the Institute of Interna- brain malformations. (Balt.Sun) (Source: Baltimore Sun 7 July 2015) tional Education, 274,439 students Hopkins and UMD from China attended school in the UM virology institute to fight HIV/ Johns Hopkins University and the Tenure United States in 2013-4, a 16 percent AIDS in Botswana with $24.5 mil- University of Maryland have opened Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, jump from the year before. Chinese lion grant one of the country’s largest computing a Republican candidate for president, students represent 31 percent of all in- The Institute of Human Virology at center. State support for the facility is faces criticism from higher educa- ternational students in the country and the University of Maryland School of $30 million. The joint supercomputing tion circles because his state budget contributed an estimated $22 billion to Medicine has received a $24.5 million center is made up of 19,000 proces- makes significant cuts to the Univer- the U.S. economy in 2014. “American federal grant to combat AIDS in Bo- sors and 17 petabytes — or 17 mil- sity of Wisconsin system and signifi- universities are addicted to Chinese tswana. The institute will use the funds lion gigabytes — of storage capacity, cantly reduces tenure protections for students.” (Source: The Atlantic, 30 from the U.S. Centers for Disease officials said, and will provide digital faculty. 6 The Faculty Voice November 2015

Maravene Loeschke continued from page 4 African Women in the Past In 2002 she was recruited to be- people in Maryland with college de- come the Provost at Wilkes Universi- grees, and responding to the state’s Five Decades continued from page 1 ty in Pennsylvania. During her tenure work force, and economic develop- there, she became an advocate for ment needs.” Picking up where Dr. ing problems facing African women as er education and in different fields of women’s leadership in higher educa- Caret left off, Maravene continued they navigate the rough and complex specialization. Some countries, such tion and for focusing the university’s the expansion of the University into terrains of modern Africa and global as Botswana, Mauritius, Cameroon, world? South Africa, Republic of the Congo, attention on student development. the town center of nearby Towson Due to the far-reaching and dif- Gabon, Namibia and Swaziland, have After six years at Wilkes, she was as well as opening the new satellite ferential consequences of European done better than others. The entrance selected to become the president of campus in Harford County. Enroll- colonialism on Africans, it is important of international organizations, such as Mansfield University, a small public ment continued to grow, reaching to trace the history of African women’s UNESCO, the World Bank, the United university in northern Pennsylvania. nearly 23,000 students, and offering status to the colonial period (1880- Nations and global women’s move- 1960) when, in spite of multiple bar- ment in the past decades has added She led that institution through the over 100 undergraduate degrees and riers, women were able to exploit the impetus to the debate on the need for tough times of the Recession, even nearly 50 graduate degrees. She spaces and opportunities created by critical assessment of the particulari- eliminating the football program in or- quickly established a student-centric colonial rule to assert greater autono- ties of barriers to African women’s ac- der to save funding for the academic administration with an open door to my and agency. Individually and col- cess to education and the utilization of program. At the end of 2012, she listen to the needs of the students. lectively, African women manipulated its credentials. Formal education has and negotiated economic, political, had the most transformative impact on was selected to become the 13th She created a new Leadership in legal and social structures, institutions African women. It has at all levels, es- president of Towson University. Education program, and opened the and practices as well as spatial, ideo- pecially secondary and tertiary, offered Maravene Loeschke’s return to new SECU Arena for sports. And al- logical, class, and gender boundaries women opportunities for socioeco- Towson in 2012 came at a most ap- though her plans for Towson’s future that shaped their lives in colonial Africa nomic mobility, professional growth, propriate time, both for her and for were cut short, she left her imprint on as they struggled to migrate from old leadership and social mobilization as ways of life to new ones, defend their well as promoted economic growth the University. As former Chancellor this period of the University. womanhood, and achieve socioeco- with a greater positive impact on their Britt Kirwan said at the time, “Clearly For a celebration by Towson Uni- nomic mobility. They were among the families, children and societies. It has Dr. Loeschke brings a philosophi- versity of Maravene Loeschke’s most formidable groups that resisted been proven that a well trained and cal alignment with the USM goals of life, see: http://tunews.towson. colonial conquest and rule and regu- well informed African female popula- closing student achievement gaps, edu/in-tribute-to-president-emeri- larly challenged colonial authorities tion has a multiplier effect on the family, and their agents in the continent. Af- community, country, the continent and increasing the number of young ta-maravene-s-loeschke-ph-d/ rican women were a formidable force the larger world. in the decolonization politics and cam- Yet, despite the substantial gains paigns that ended colonialism and made, women sill trail behind men in ushered in modern African countries. gender representation at all levels of continued from page 3 Whether they were adequately re- African educational systems and in Women Teachers warded for their decolonization efforts gendered disciplinary specialization. express liking their profession and schooling in terms of attendance by independent African governments The appreciable progress in enroll- enjoy sharing their knowledge with and retention. Women teachers and their leadership depended on the ment across the continent has not children, they describe their profes- provide not only professional role particularities of individual countries been matched with retention rates of sional life as lacking in resources models for adolescent girls, but of Africa. Suffice it to say that African girls at various levels of education due complicated by salaries that hardly also a crucial source of advice—a women have continued to exercise to a number of reasons, including early meet survival needs. Salary pay- person with whom the girls can talk their agency in efforts toward building marriage and early pregnancy, lack of ments are often late forcing teach- about personal problems seldom and strengthening democratic institu- parental support and religious opposi- ers to obtain loans from relatives discussed in their own homes—a tions and political stability as well as tion. For instance, in 2004, only 46% of or local lenders or to travel to the practice confirmed in our study. On sustainable economic development in girls enrolled in school in sub-Saharan nearest (still usually distant) educa- the other hand, while educational their respective countries. Africa completed primary school. Sec- tion office to secure direct payment, policies specify government com- Before discussing the three areas ondary school completion rates for girls also a slow process. The weak mitments to increase girls’ access to that shaped women’s lives and were were worse and could be as low as 4% sanitation infrastructure (water and education, such important elements shaped by women’s agency in the in Niger, and 9% in Burundi. Early mar- latrines) has been found to affect as the roles of women teachers in past fifty years, it is important to note riage and early pregnancy as major the attendance of adolescent girls the process are neglected. Ad- that Africa’s diversity is fundamental causes of high rates of female drop- during their menstrual periods. In dressing women teachers’ needs to understanding the continent and outs were widespread in many parts of our study we found the lack of these will require, at a minimum, invest- its peoples. Africa is a continent of 54 Africa where, for instance, 60% of girls facilities also affects women teach- ments in housing and sanitation countries of stable democracies and married by the age of 18 in Niger, 47% ers’ attendance. infrastructure; it will also require those embroiled in civil wars, with rela- in Chad and 32% in Nigeria. In spite Men teachers can resort to out- modification in teacher salaries to tively high educated populations and of the heterogeneity of African Muslim side activities to supplement their provide remuneration congruent some with barely literate populations; countries and communities, deficiency income, such as offering tutorial with the economic needs teachers thousands of ethnic nationalities and in women’s education is worse there classes after school hours; in con- must resolve. languages; diverse cultural institu- because female formal education is trast, women teachers face diffi- Over the past year, FAWE, our tions and practices; religious beliefs largely viewed as antithetical to Islamic culty in raising additional income partner, has held several meetings and worldviews; climatic conditions, doctrine and values. For instance, fe- given their roles as care providers with ministry officials in the coun- vegetation zones and economic re- male attainment at the secondary and at home. Men can more easily live tries covered in this study. The edu- sources; and historical experiences. post-secondary education is higher by away from their families, so deploy- cational sector faces severe finan- Equally significant is the heterogene- 15.5% among Christians and 5% for ment to rural areas does not affect cial challenges in most countries ity of African women and the diverse Muslims. Early marriage and bride- the household to the same extent and, when confronted with multiple socio-cultural, economic and political wealth are important factors lowering it does with women teachers. Al- crises, government officials tend to contexts they lived and operated, a the educational enrolment of Muslim though teaching salaries are also sacrifice education in favor of more key to minimizing sweeping gener- girls. For example, a more educated small for men, teaching remains a visible sectors such as health and alizations about them. Rather than Muslim girl in Sudan attracts lower desirable occupation because in the economy. The dialogue and the voiceless passive observers who bridewealth while in other non-Muslim most developing countries, includ- willingness to address girls’ edu- lacked any agency, this essay argues countries, a girl with more education ing those in Africa, teaching is a cation through the formulation and that there are layered and complex commands a higher bridewealth than civil service job, which comes with implementation of the action plans realities of African women’s existential one with les education. features such as job security, health facilitated by our study cannot be experiences and resilience, shaped by Enrolment rates in secondary insurance, pensions, and (however underestimated. Realistic, yet age, class, religious, ethnic, racial, ide- school in conflict-affected countries of tenuous) promotion. Given a domi- still optimistic, we can assert that ological and geographical boundaries. Africa—Sudan, Liberia, Sierra Leone, nant and unstable informal sector women teachers have gained vis- Thus, in order to understand the sta- Democratic Republic of the Congo— in their country, men seek to join ibility through our study (as has the tus of African women, their challenges were nearly one-third lower and girls the small formal economy by enter- presence of the University of Mary- and barriers, and enormous contribu- accounted for 30% of refugees’ sec- ing the civil service and thus crowd land). The UN’s new global effort, tions to the continent, it is important ondary school enrolment in 2009. women out. the Sustainable Development Goals to analyze their historical experiences Conflict-ridden countries, such as Su- African women are increasing their (SDGs), clearly identifies the impor- according to their relational identities dan and the Democratic Republic of and the cultural contexts and logic of the Congo, have experienced decline participation in university studies. tance of education. Goal 4 seeks their individual societies. However, due in enrolment rates of female education Their own cost-benefit analysis, education for all, and its top priority to space constraint, only a representa- with 50% of out-of-school children due however, often leads them to ca- is to “ensure that all girls and boys tive rather than an inclusive analysis of to physical insecurity, ruined or poorly reers that offer greater remunera- have access to free, equitable and African women’s history since the past maintained social and physical infra- tion such as being nurses, bank quality primary and secondary edu- fifty years is presented here. structure. Epidemic diseases such as tellers, or secretaries in good firms. cation.” The SDGs will orient global the HIV/AIDS have negatively affected The women’s accounts of their action during the next 15 years. A Education female education in different parts teaching experience shows that, main ingredient in their successful Contrary to colonial and early post- of Africa. This is because girls are at when training to be teachers, there implementation will be securing suf- independence educational systems greater risk of contracting the disease is little discussion of the realities of ficient financial support from both in which the education of women and than boys, and much likely to miss or the teaching profession, particular- domestic and international sources. girls was geared towards their roles drop out of school in order to attend to ly the nature of rural life. For their Initiatives are under way to mobilize as wives and mothers in the emergent sick family members. Other factors that part, ministry of education officials this support. Here lies the promise elite circles, and in spite of the histori- determine the levels of female educa- consider the difficulties that women and the challenge. The University of cal disadvantages they have suffered tion in Africa include, family and nation- teachers face to be entirely a private Maryland has managed to contrib- since colonialism, the past fifty years al socioeconomic conditions, poverty, matter these women should resolve ute to the policy dialogue. It will be have witnessed a steady increase in differential social values and expecta- on their own. There is clearly a dis- up to the national governments and terms of access to formal education tions placed on sons and daughters, juncture between women teachers’ international agencies to move for- and the utilization of its credentials by societal norms regarding women’s needs and institutional responses. ward with determination. A gender- African women and their daughters. education, gendered socialization and And this is a major issue: The re- balanced population of educated African women and girls now com- divisions of household labor, belief that search literature shows that women people is a key to national social pete favorably with men and boys in investing in women’s education has teachers make a significant con- and economic well-being. admissions to post-primary and high- lower economic returns due to limited tribution to the success of girls’ continued on next page November 2015 The Faculty Voice 7

Two Poems By Bill Hanna

The Waiting Room What am I to do? Nine old men Waiting for the doc My body feels like ninety, And one of those old men Is me! My brain’s like thirty-two. Maybe some day soon When one outlives the other, There will be only eight One by one we’ll disappear What am I to do? We must obey our fate.

African Women in the Past Five Decades continued from previous page

employment opportunities for them and and Mozambique have resulted in in- At the continental and international women have been politically marginal- loss of their contribution to the natal creased number of women parliamen- levels, a number of African women ized. Women’s domestic and familial household upon marriage, personal tarians in these countries. Rwanda led have occupied important leadership responsibilities, including childbearing, aspirations, governmental policies and the world with 48.8%; Mozambique, positions such as South African Nko- are detrimental to their participation in attitudes of employers to women’s oc- South Africa, Angola, Uganda, Burun- sazana D. Zuma, head of the African politics especially where sustained ef- cupational mobility. It is imperative to di, Senegal, Seychelles, Tanzania, and Union Commission; Navanethen Pillay fort and time for party engagement is close the gender gap in education and Zimbabwe had a range of 47% to 31% of South Africa as the United Nations required to achieve leadership posi- its corollary, economic security, be- between 2003 and 2012. Senegal, for High Commissioner of Human Rights; tions in highly competitive party poli- cause an educated female population example, has passed a law requiring Nigerian Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, manag- tics. Married women are often required is a necessary human capital that must political parties to ensure that half of ing director of World Bank; and South to secure the consent and support of be tapped for positive transformation their candidates for local and national African Mamphela Ramphele, manag- their husbands before they could ven- of society and advancement of new elections were women. The result is ing director of the World Bank and Vice ture into party politics. Women are also frontiers for Africa’s development and that in 2013, women made up nearly Chancellor of the University of Cape discouraged from participating in ag- competitiveness in the global commu- half of the legislative body in Senegal Town. Others have been recognized in- gressive political commitment, which nity. In addition to assessing conditions with a woman as the prime minister. ternationally for their outstanding lead- is often seen as unfeminine and un- under which women and girls receive African women have also occupied ership roles in helping to improve lives healthy. They are also intimidated by education in their respective African national political positions as speakers and advance humanity. Among them harassment and electoral violence. countries and the utility of the creden- of national assemblies as in the cases were South African Nadine Gordimer All over the world, party elections are tials received, the educational levels of Baleka Mbete of South Africa, Re- (1923-2014), who received the Nobel expensive endeavors. Due to finan- for girls and women must meet interna- becca Kadaga of Uganda, and Ntlhoi Peace in Literature in 1991 for her lit- cial constraints, African female politi- tional standards to enable them to fully Motsamai of Lesotho; vice and interim erary prowess and political activism; cians always trail behind their male participate in all arenas. presidents as in the cases of Carmen Kenyan Wangari Maathai (1940-2011), counterparts in political party forma- Pereira of Guinea-Bissau; Sylvie Kinigi who won the Nobel Peace Prize in tion, party membership mobilization, Political Arena effective campaign strategies, admin- In African communities and states istrative expenses, and in participation prior to European colonial rule, women in governance and decision-making. occupied high political offices and had In all democracies of the world, ac- specific avenues to express their politi- cess to political power, leadership and cal will and wield political influence. But decision-making typically starts at the women’s power diminished as colonial political party level. Unfortunately, the officials ignored them and indigenous structure of the political parties in Af- institutions that guaranteed their au- rica has privileged men who founded thority and influence prior to colonial them more than women. Often, women domination, and appointed African belonged to “Women’s Wings” of such men as chiefs and local administrative parties and were rewarded with token agents. Since independence, African appointments. women have enjoyed a variety of av- In view of the above barriers, it is enues through which they accessed important that gender-responsive ini- and wielded authority and influence tiatives are rigorously pursued by Afri- in their respective societies and coun- can countries in order to increase the tries. Different models of women’s participation of women in democratic leadership roles in Africa demonstrate institutions and mechanisms and their their ability to negotiate for power and representation in governance and deci- authority in both lineage-based parallel sion-making. Increasing women’s num- sex systems and the complex state- ber in leadership positions is vital to based political structures. The wave democratic development and sustain- of democratization processes; the dra- ability in Africa. Some have suggested matic changes in women’s mobilization the “virtuous circle of representation” through active and autonomous move- in which women’s political participa- ment’s movements across the conti- tion and mobilization will increase the nent since the late 1980s; the impact Igbo Women at their Ph.D. Graduation number of women in decision-making of gender-sensitive international cam- office, and consequently, enable them paigns and norms championed by glob- of Burundi, Specioza W. Kazibwe of 2004 for her promotion of environmen- to influence decision-making regarding al women’s movements and the United Uganda, Rose F. Rogombe of Gabon, tal conservation and economic empow- national budgets, policy priorities and Nations, especially the UN Decade for Monique Ohsan-Bellepeau of Mauri- erment of women through her Green ideological underpinnings of govern- Women (1975-85), the 1985 and 1995 tius; and prime ministers such as Ag- Belt Movement; and two Liberians in ment policies and programs. Although conferences on women; postconflict athe Uwilingiyimana of Rwanda, Maria 2011: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for her African women are not homogenous constitutional reforms among other fac- das Neves and Maria do Carmo Sil- leadership in peace-building and na- and having a critical mass of women tors have added some momentum to veira of Sao Tome and Principe, Luisa tional unity; and Leymah Gbowee, who in governance and decision-making women’s political engagements in dif- Diogo of Mozambique, Cecile Mano- was recognized for her peace move- may not necessarily translate to rep- ferent African countries. African women rohanta of Madagascar, Cisse Mariam ment and rehabilitation of child soldiers resenting women and advancing their since the 1990s have made significant K. Sidibe of Mali, and Aminata Toure of in her country. interests, it has been demonstrated strides in occupying high positions in Senegal. Joyce Hilda Banda of Malawi Despite the samples of progress that countries with a significant number ministerial and other governmental and Catherine Samba-Panza of Cen- shown above, records from many Af- of women legislators have seen some structures as well as in legislative rep- tral African Republic have served as rican countries show a history of un- positive changes in family laws, land resentations. For instance, women’s presidents of their respective countries. equal participation and representation rights, gender-based violence, and legislative representation increased In 2005, African women and others cel- of women in politics and decision-mak- public perceptions of women’s roles in from 0.94% in 1960 to 7.78% in 1990 ebrated the election of Ellen Johnson ing. Women from many African coun- society. It is believed that having more and 17.4% in 2007. Sirleaf as the first executive female tries still struggle to navigate socioeco- women in government is likely to in- A number of individual African coun- president of Liberia and the first woman nomic, political and cultural barriers crease government effectiveness and tries have done better than others in to be elected president in the continent. that prevent their inclusion in both cus- also improve governance. While it is the election of women to local, provin- African women have demonstrated en- tomary and democratic governance. important for women to work in partner- cial, state or national offices. These are viable resilience in the face of civil and The entrenched patriarchal sensibilities ship with men to build trust and achieve largely countries which have adopted inter-state wars and genocides, espe- that have been reinforced by religious consensus, the political will and com- different forms of electoral and insti- cially in Nigeria, Sudan, Democratic ideologies, in which family control and mitment of government leaders are of tutional gender-based policies such Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Sierra Le- participation in governance and deci- essence. as quota systems in favor of women. one, Liberia, Burundi, Central African sion-making processes are entrusted Adoption of constitutional electoral Republic and recently, South Sudan. to men and women’s primary roles *Part 2 of this article will ap- quotas in Rwanda and Uganda and They have served in peace negotia- seen as wives and mothers, consti- pear in the next edition of The political party quotas in South Africa tions and prevention of violence. tute fundamental reasons why African Faculty Voice. continued on next page 8 The Faculty Voice November 2015 Remembering Bill Hanna

Bill at Hollywood Professional School

Bill and Judy, Retirement Bill and Judy in Nigeria, 1962

Bill fooling around, 2014

Bill and Judy, dancing at a wedding

Bill at Barnes and Noble Action Langley Park is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in and around Langley Park, Maryland. Our efforts include information exchange, advocacy, and the organization of health services - primar- ily with “Health Check” in the Fall and the health fair that is part of Langley Park Day in the Spring. Barrio de Langley Park is published by Action Langley Park with support from At one of the community fairs Bill organized the Langley Park Project of the University of Maryland. For information about Action Langley Park and/or its biweekly newsletter, Barrio de Langley Park, write to actionlangleyp- [email protected].