Academic transformation demands sustained sacrifice rather than perfect strategy

Evidence

To create a culturally diverse academy we must commit ourselves fully. Learning from other movements for social change, from civil rights and feminist liberation efforts, we must accept the protracted nature of our struggle and be willing to remain both patient and vigilant. To commit ourselves to the work of transforming the academy so that it will be a place where cultural diversity informs every aspect of our learning, we must embrace struggle and sacrifice. We can not be easily discouraged. We cannot despair when there is conflict. Our solidarity must be affirmed by shared belief in a spirit of intellectual openness that celebrates diversity, welcomes dissent, and rejoices in collective dedication to truth. — bell hooks, Teaching to Transgress, 78

Categorization

• APHORISMS: A pragmatic endurance ethic: embrace the protracted struggle, remain patient and vigilant, and be affirmed by openness rather than uniformity — refusing both despair and perfectionism.