Resume

• 2016

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD

  African American Literature

  College Language Association

  English Graduate Organization

  The University of Alabama

• 2011

  Master of Arts (M.A.)

  • Thesis: \"Print vs. Pulpit: Representations of Religion in the Harlem Renaissance\"\n\n• UAB English Department candidate for the Graduate School's Samuel A. Barker Award for excellence in graduate studies\n\n• English Department Diversity Fellow\n\n• Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society\n\n• Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society

  English Literature

  Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society

  University of Alabama at Birmingham

  Graduate

• 1997

  Master of Science

  Public Relations

  Internships in public relations firm

  television station and news department of weekly newspaper.

• 1992

  Bachelor of Arts

  Minor in Asian Studies (Japanese)

  English

  Summer Scholars Program 1992

• 1988

  Diploma

  Varnado High School

  Varnado

  LA

• Books

  Published Author

  Teaching

  Public Relations

  Feature Articles

  Research

  The Story of Nannie Helen Burroughs

  You’ve heard of Martin Luther King

  Jr.

  Rosa Parks

  and Medgar Evers

  but have you heard of Nannie Helen Burroughs? \n\nEach February

  we are encouraged to remember notable African Americans who have made and are making extraordinary contributions to the equality and advancement of the race. Often

  the list includes renowned figures

  such as those previously mentioned

  along with a small band of other men and women who are considered the icons of black history. Unfortunately

  many other lesser known African American leaders and activists receive little to no recognition or remembrance. Some of their names and deeds are so far removed from public attention that they are all but completely forgotten. \n\nNannie Helen Burroughs is one of these people

  which is startling since she was such a force in education (establishing a school for women and girls)

  religion (helping to found the National Baptist Convention Woman’s Convention and Woman's Day)

  and activism (working and corresponding with whites and blacks to uplift the African American race).

  The Story of Nannie Helen Burroughs

  Article Abstract:\n\tPoverty

  loss

  neglect

  and lack of female companionship plague Esch Batiste

  the pregnant fifteen-year-old African American narrator of Jesmyn Ward’s Salvage the Bones (2011)

  and these misfortunes render her voiceless

  impotent

  and drifting in a world filled with and dominated by boys and men. Although Esch lives with her father and three brothers

  and must rely on her siblings and their male friends for social interaction

  the family consistently overlooks her

  leaving her to contemplate her position and value in their world without the benefit of guidance or reassurance. Neither a child nor a woman

  Esch becomes what I term as a black girl-woman

  a liminal and vulnerable existence caused by her expedited maturity and her struggle to survive in fictional Bois Sauvage

  Mississippi. This article investigates the denial of Esch’s childhood

  which results from her mother’s unexpected and tragic death

  her father’s subsequent unwillingness or inability to nurture his children

  and the interchangeable oversexualization and unsexing she must endure in a world of damaged men.

  \"Who Will Deliver Me?\": Black Girlhood in a Man's World in Salvage the Bones

  Bickham Washington

  Sondra

  Bickham Washington

  The Black Girlhood Project

  Sondra Washington

  The University of Alabama at Birmingham and University of Montevallo

  Hattiesburg Clinic

  PA

  The University of Alabama

  Jefferson State Community College

  CrossWay Baptist Fellowship

  University of Alabama at Birmingham

  University of Alabama at Birmingham

  Freelance Writer

  Researched and composed various news and personal interest articles and a biographical narrative entitled The Story of Nannie Helen Burroughs. Coordinated and authored a weekly column and a multiple-page monthly resource guide. Produced promotional materials including newsletters

  brochures

  fliers

  advertisements and media kits.

  Sondra Washington

  Founder

  The Black Girlhood Project

  Doctoral Student and Graduate Teaching Assistant

  The University of Alabama

  Adjunct English Instructor

  The University of Alabama at Birmingham and University of Montevallo

  English Instructor

  Taught Developmental English classes.

  Jefferson State Community College

  Women's Ministry Leader

  Coordinate and lead women's Bible studies and events.

  CrossWay Baptist Fellowship

  Communications Coordinator

  Established and maintained media relations for Mississippi’s largest medical clinic. Developed contacts with community

  state and national leaders. Organized company-wide participation in community events and fund raising campaigns. Coordinated company and community health awareness programs and events. Developed and implemented numerous marketing plans and campaigns. Managed yellow page advertising totaling more than $100

  000. Served on the local chapter American Cancer Society board of directors. Taught Junior Achievement classes at a local middle school.

  Hattiesburg Clinic

  PA

  South Atlantic Modern Language Association (SAMLA)

  Member

  Member

  The Collegium for African American Research

  Member

  College Language Association

  Member

  Modern Language Association

  Japanese

  National Alumni Association Fellowship

  The University of Alabama Graduate School