Exploring the Depths: Psychology of the Black Woman
A Panel Discussion
Throughout history, Black women have navigated a complex tapestry of societal expectations, cultural heritage and personal identity. We aim to shine a light on their stories, voices and psychological landscapes. What makes a community leader? What does it take for a woman to step into that role, and to bring other women along the journey with her? Join us for a panel discussion on the psychology and mental health of Black women, as represented by Aunt Ester in August Wilson’s Gem in the Ocean.
Attendance for this pre-show event is FREE; August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean 8PM performance tickets sold separately.
MEET THE PANELISTS
Gilda Rogers
2006- Gilda Rogers graduated with honors from Monmouth University with a MA, in American History with an emphasis in African American Studies
2006 -Present Gilda is an adjunct history professor at Brookdale Community College, award-winning journalist, and author of three books including: Out of the Ashes Came Hope, the memoir of Monsignor William J. Linder, founder of New Community Corporation, in Newark and the catalyst behind the rebuilding of Newark’s Central Ward, after the ’67 Riots.
2010-Present Gilda is the Community Relations Queen for Two River Theater. Her network is broad, deep, and diversified. Gilda is a people person, which connects with her experience spent as sportswriter/reporter for The Asbury Park Press, for several years. Her love of theater and love of people is a winning combination for Two River Theater.
2017- Gilda Rogers was named the “Humanitarian of the Year,” by the Monmouth County Human Relations Commission. The American Association of University Women in 2018 named Gilda as one of the honorees of its first-ever, “Women of Achievement” award.
2019 – Wearing the historian hat, Gilda is the Executive Director of the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center, which opened in 2019. She led the grassroots effort to save and preserve the former home of T. Thomas Fortune, a National Historic Landmark, located in Red Bank, New Jersey. Fortune was one of the greatest Black journalists and newspaper editors of the 19th and early 20th Centuries. A courageous social justice crusader, Fortune is called: “The bridge to the modern-day Civil Rights Movement.”
Dr. Djanna Hill
Dr. Djanna Hill is associate dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and professor of Community Development and Social Justice at William Paterson University. Professor Hill is a native New Yorker with over 20 years of experience in higher education. Dr. Hill’s academic degrees are from Howard University and Columbia University. Her doctorate in urban & multicultural education, lead her to teach in the social sciences at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Djanna joined the faculty at William Paterson University in 2001 and taught courses from programs in the College of Education and the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and has received several state, private, and federal grants for the university. She directed the university’s first formal adult learner program and was founding chair of the Department of Community and Social Justice Studies. Professor Hill co-authored the university’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate Program. Dr. Hill draws upon her background to develop an innovative research agenda and leadership vision that is anchored in womanist/Black feminist theory. Her research explores the experiences of Black women in the academy, policy implications of teacher recruitment and retention, and social justice science education. Dr. Hill lives in Bloomfield, NJ with her son and husband and serves as a civil rights commissioner for the township.
Dr. Hettie V. Williams
Dr. Hettie V. Williams is Professor of history and Director of the Trotter Institute for the Study of Black Culture at UMass Boston. She is a historian of 20th century U.S. history with a focus on the African American experience and the history of Black women. Williams is also the author/editor of seven books, several book chapters, essays and articles; and former president of the African American Intellectual History Society (AAIHS).
Dr. Danielle M. Wallace
Dr. Danielle M. Wallace is an Associate Professor of Africana Studies and chairperson of the Department of Community and Social Justice Studies at William Paterson University. Her teaching and scholarly interests center on the Black family, gender and sexual politics in the Black community, the gender socialization of Black men and women, the socio-political roots of Africana Studies, and decolonizing teaching and curriculum in higher education. Her current research focuses on Black student leadership and activism on college campuses, and Black male/female relationships, especially the dating, marriage and mate selection ideals of Black men and women.