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From Higher Learning to Charlottesville

College Campuses and American Democracy

  • 2026
  • Book

About this book

This book interrogates John Singleton’s 1995 Black cult classic film Higher Learning, set on a fictitious American college campus, as a harbinger of Donald Trump’s successful 2016 and 2024 presidential campaigns, the 2017 Unite the Right Rally, reenergized protests by Blacks denouncing public monuments to the Confederacy, the #MeToo Movement, the Black Lives Matter Movement, and student protests erupting after the 2023 Israel-Hamas Gaza War. Contributors use Higher Learning as a fulcrum to explore how racial antagonisms, attitudes of college students, socio-economic disparities, and interpersonal relationships in America have changed and remained the same since the 1990s. From debates over free speech, affirmative action, hip hop music, and K-16 curriculum content, to protests condemning police brutality, this book examines why American college campuses continue to be sites of physical, visual, and epistemological conflicts over the meaning of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. This book also provides recommendations for how Americans might unite to address today’s divisive issues and strengthen American democracy.

Table of Contents

  1. Frontmatter

  2. Chapter 1. Introduction: Prophetic Warnings

    Tyson D. King-Meadows, Shahara’Tova V. Dente
    This chapter examines the enduring relevance of John Singleton's 1995 film Higher Learning, focusing on its prophetic warnings about race, culture, and identity on American college campuses. The text explores how the film's themes of racial antagonisms, socioeconomic disparities, and polarized interpersonal relationships continue to resonate in the twenty-first century. It delves into the film's portrayal of the weaponization of culture, the college campus as contested space, and pathways to inclusion, connecting these themes to contemporary issues such as the Unite the Right Rally in Charlottesville, the #MeToo Movement, and the rise of political violence. The chapter also discusses the film's relevance to current debates about affirmative action, diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. Through an analysis of key scenes and characters, the text highlights the film's enduring lessons for American institutions of higher education and society at large. The chapter concludes by offering specific actions academic leaders can take to address the challenges and opportunities facing minoritized and under-resourced students on today's college campuses.
  3. The Damage Wrought by Weaponizing Culture

    1. Frontmatter

    2. Chapter 2. White Fear of a Different Planet: Unpacking Racial Resentment in Higher Learning and Twenty-First-Century Politics

      Tyson D. King-Meadows, Loren Henderson, Rhoanne Esteban
      The chapter delves into the film 'Higher Learning' as a metaphor for understanding the persistent issue of White racial resentment in higher education and its broader societal implications. It explores how the film depicts the conversion pipeline from discomfort to grievance and violence, using Critical Race Theory and Critical Media Studies as analytical frameworks. The text also examines the historical context of racial attitudes and their evolution, highlighting the persistence of anti-Blackness in American society. Additionally, it discusses the role of higher education in either magnifying or distorting the heterogeneity of American society, and the impact of institutional choices on campus climate. The chapter concludes with policy implications for fostering a more inclusive and equitable campus environment.
    3. Chapter 3. “Hip Hop’s Othering”: The Deviance of Black Music in Higher Learning and Beyond

      Shahara’Tova V. Dente
      This chapter delves into the intricate dynamics of how Hip-Hop music is perceived and marginalized in society, particularly in relation to blackness and deviance. It begins by examining the historical context, focusing on the 1990s and the influential film 'Higher Learning' by John Singleton, which highlights the othering of Hip-Hop and its artists. The text explores how Hip-Hop music is often associated with negative stereotypes and how this association has real-world consequences, including violence and discrimination. It also discusses the role of the media in perpetuating these stereotypes and the ways in which Hip-Hop artists have used their platforms to address social and political issues. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of unlearning biased perceptions and embracing the positive contributions of Hip-Hop culture. Additionally, it touches on the political engagement of Hip-Hop artists and the broader implications of their actions on society. This comprehensive analysis provides a nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between Hip-Hop, race, and societal attitudes, offering insights into the ongoing struggle for recognition and equality in the music industry and beyond.
    4. Chapter 4. The Policing of Black Bodies in America: Similarities Between the Hollywood Movie Higher Learning (1995) and Society Today

      Dewey Clayton
      This chapter delves into the enduring issues of racial inequality and policing, using the 1995 film Higher Learning as a framework. It explores the themes of racial profiling, police brutality, and the impact of critical race theory on understanding systemic racism. The chapter also examines the rise of mass incarceration and its disproportionate effect on African American communities. Through an analysis of the film and contemporary events, it highlights the persistent racial divide in perceptions of law enforcement and the criminal justice system. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the ongoing struggle for racial equality and the need for systemic change to address these deeply rooted issues.
  4. The Making and Meaning of Campus as Contested Space

    1. Frontmatter

    2. Chapter 5. “They Want to Know If You Have a Plan”: Lessons from Black Educators to Students of Color

      Debra Smith
      The chapter examines the film 'Higher Learning' to explore the lessons from Black educators to students of color, focusing on the mentoring relationship between Professor Maurice Phipps and student Malik Williams. It delves into the challenges faced by Black professors and students at predominantly White institutions (PWIs), including marginalization, stereotypes, and the need for culturally relevant teaching. The text also highlights the importance of mentoring relationships in helping Black students navigate academic and social challenges. Through qualitative content analysis of the film, the chapter reveals how Black educators use their experiences to guide students in developing their own political ideologies and coping strategies. The conclusion emphasizes the significance of perseverance and the development of a personal plan for success in the face of societal and institutional barriers.
    3. Chapter 6. “They Wanna Be Saved”: Black and Queer Women as Saviors and Superheroes in Higher Learning

      Jenn M. Jackson
      This chapter examines the invisibility and hypervisibility of Black and queer women in the film 'Higher Learning' and compares their representations to the lived experiences of young women on college campuses today. The analysis is grounded in Black Feminist and Queer theoretical concepts, including intersectionality and the myth of the Black superwoman. The chapter argues that Black and queer women are represented in the film as saviors and superheroes of white women and Black men, and that this representation is not far from the reality of young Black women navigating college campuses today. The chapter also explores the ways that sexual violence against Black women and their leadership on this issue is often overlooked and erased, and how the #MeToo movement has exposed the intersections of power, race, and gender. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the implications of this analysis for our understanding of the intersections of race, class, gender, and sexual orientation on college campuses today. The chapter is based on a subsample of 50 interviews collected in Chicago in spring 2018, and provides a 'thick' description of the life experiences and personal narratives of vulnerable people.
    4. Chapter 7. Moving on Up: Black Women, Higher Education, and Economic Mobility

      Jochebed Cadet, Ashley H. Clarke, Angel M. Jones, Briana O’Neal, Jessica Marie Shotwell, Danielle Worsham, Kris Marsh
      This chapter delves into the economic, social, and institutional barriers that Black women encounter in higher education, despite an increase in their enrollment over the past 30 years. It highlights the persistent issues of unequal pay, hostile campus climates, and the lack of representation in faculty and administrative roles. The text uses quantitative data, personal experiences, and scenes from John Singleton’s 1995 film Higher Learning to illustrate these challenges. It also explores the financial aid crisis, the impact of microaggressions, and the underrepresentation of Black women in leadership positions. The chapter concludes that higher education, while promoted as a path to economic mobility, often fails to deliver on this promise for Black women, who continue to face significant obstacles in their academic and professional journeys.
    5. Chapter 8. How Invisibility, Isolation, and Intersectionality Work to Further Class and Racial Antagonism for African American Women

      Deborah Purnell
      This chapter delves into the portrayal of African American women in John Singleton's 'Higher Learning,' critiquing the film's use of flat and stereotypical characters like Monet and Deja. It explores how these portrayals contribute to the invisibility and isolation of Black women in cinema and society. The text also examines the intersectionality of race, gender, and class, and how these factors shape the experiences and perceptions of African American women. Additionally, it discusses the broader implications of these portrayals, including the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes and the erasure of Black women's voices and experiences. The chapter concludes by highlighting the ongoing relevance of these issues in contemporary cinema and society.
    6. Chapter 9. Race-ing Rebellion and Revolution: An Analysis of Dress in John Singleton’s Higher Learning

      Elka M. Stevens
      This chapter delves into the significance of dress and appearance in John Singleton's 'Higher Learning,' focusing on three male characters: Fudge, Malik, and Remy. Through iconographic analysis, the text examines how their clothing choices reflect their identities, cultural backgrounds, and ideological shifts. The analysis reveals the power of dress in communicating group affiliations, creating fear, and signaling radicalization. The chapter also explores the themes of criminalization and terrorization, highlighting how appearance can influence societal perceptions and interactions. Additionally, the text discusses the contemporary practices of brand co-option and group uniformity, providing a comprehensive understanding of the role of dress in both the film and real-life societal contexts. By analyzing the visual messages conveyed through costumes, this chapter offers insights into the cultural, philosophical, and social underpinnings of appearance and its impact on individual and collective identities.
  5. The Pathway Towards a Better College and a Better Democracy

    1. Frontmatter

    2. Chapter 10. Lessons on Allyship in Higher Learning

      Jessica Trull
      This chapter delves into the concept of allyship in higher education, using John Singleton's film 'Higher Learning' as a lens to examine the role of allyship in overcoming systemic oppression. It explores how allyship can be practiced differently depending on the interracial or intergender relationship dynamic, emphasizing the importance of unlearning hate before tragedy strikes. The text argues that institutes of higher learning must shift the conversation from education to actualization and action, placing the responsibility on power groups rather than the oppressed. It also discusses the importance of acknowledging and confronting privilege, and the role of intersectionality in understanding and combating oppression. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the need for power groups to take responsibility and engage in praxis to create true allies, and the importance of using privilege to shift the gaze and decenter oneself.
    3. Chapter 11. “Run, Nigger, Run”: The Consequences of Being and Staying “Woke” in Higher Learning

      Tracey M. Gholston
      This chapter delves into the transformative power of racial awakening, using John Singleton's 'Higher Learning' as a lens to examine the complexities of being and staying woke in higher education. The narrative follows Malik Williams, a college athlete whose journey from naivety to consciousness highlights the painful yet necessary process of cultural awakening. The text explores three active themes of wokeness: the need for a catalytic agent, the dual nature of wokeness as both painful and healing, and the importance of finding a community of like-minded individuals. Through Malik's interactions with his mentor Fudge and Professor Phipps, the chapter illustrates the emotional and psychological turmoil of awakening to systemic racism. The film's relevance in the Trump era is underscored by contemporary examples of racial tensions and hate rhetoric, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for racial justice. The chapter concludes with a reflection on the cost of staying woke, highlighting the personal and societal challenges faced by those who confront racial injustice head-on.
    4. Chapter 12. Moving Beyond Black Rage and White Resentment: Toward Racial Reconciliation in the Twenty-First Century

      Jillian Andres Rothschild, Kaley White, Camille Burge-Hicks
      This chapter uses the film 'Higher Learning' to explore the persistent racial tensions in America and the potential paths toward reconciliation. It highlights several scenes from the movie that illustrate missed opportunities for racial understanding and compares them to real-world examples. The chapter also presents data from Pew and Gallup surveys to show the differing perceptions of race relations among Black and White Americans. Furthermore, it includes insights from focus group studies to understand the emotional dynamics between Black and White communities and suggests ways to mitigate the effects of Black rage and White resentment. The conclusion emphasizes the need for both Black and White Americans to work together, have tough conversations, and engage in continuous education to move closer to racial reconciliation.
    5. Chapter 13. Conclusion: A Way to Unlearn

      Tyson D. King-Meadows
      This volume delves into the 1995 film Higher Learning, directed by John Singleton, and its prophetic insights into the social and political landscape of twenty-first-century America. The text explores how the film foreshadowed events like the 2017 Charlottesville March and the rise of anti-Blackness, authoritarianism, and distrust in American institutions of higher education. It examines the film's portrayal of race, gender, culture, free speech, civil rights, and socioeconomic mobility, connecting these themes to contemporary movements such as #MeToo and Black Lives Matter. The volume also highlights the film's relevance to understanding the treatment of Black women in higher education and the role of hip-hop culture in shaping social identities. Through various contributors' analyses, the text provides a comprehensive overview of how Higher Learning's themes resonate today, offering insights into the ongoing struggles for equity and inclusion on college campuses. The final Malik-Kristen scene is analyzed as a call for universities to invest in 'unlearning' affective and cognitive dispositions that divide and dehumanize, emphasizing the importance of discovery, modernizing internal marketing materials, clarifying the role of intellectual and experiential diversity, and expanding access to high-impact practices. The volume concludes with a call for academic leaders to heed Singleton's directive to 'unlearn' to improve the country's scientific competitiveness and protect American national interests.
  6. Backmatter

Title
From Higher Learning to Charlottesville
Editors
Tyson D. King-Meadows
Shahara’Tova V. Dente
Copyright Year
2026
Electronic ISBN
978-3-031-61827-7
Print ISBN
978-3-031-61826-0
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-61827-7

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