Black Professor, White University

Upon completing his doctorate, Darrell Thomas interviewed at several universities before he and his wife, Vanessa were hired in a predominantly white university in the mid-west. Although they initially encountered problems renting an apartment, they started working at SAU where, as African-Americans, they endured discrimination, humiliation, and unfair ratings. Nonetheless, they persevered but gaining tenure and promotion was more tedious than they imagined. Regrettably, their experiences were not unique. Darrell therefore concludes with advice to personnel of color in predominantly white institutions.  

 Professor Sakui W. G. Malakpa was born in Wozi, Lofa County Liberia. After losing his sight in high school, he studied at the school for the blind in Freetown, Sierra Leone before enrolling at Albert Academy also in Freetown. He later matriculated to Florida State University where, in three years, he earned a bachelors degree cum laude and in another year, he earned a masters degree with a 4.0 GPA. He then went to Harvard University and earned a second masters degree and a doctorate in Education before accepting a professorial position at the University of Toledo; he is now a full professor with tenure. Also, while at the University of Toledo, Professor Malakpa returned to school and earned a law degree.

Professor Malakpa has published extensively and has presented academic papers in parts of the world. He is married with children. He can be reached at sakui.malakpa@utoledo.edu or smalakpa@hotmail.com.