Get To Know: Kenyatta Matthews

Wondering who Kenyatta Matthews is?

Kenyatta Matthews is an Associate Professor of English and the Director of the Africana Studies Program at Rutgers University-Newark. Her research interests include African American literature, film, and culture, with a focus on the Harlem Renaissance.

Matthews' work has been published in numerous journals and anthologies, including African American Review, MELUS: Multi-Ethnic Literature of the United States, and The Cambridge Companion to the Harlem Renaissance. She is the author of the book "Making a Spectacle: African American Dance and the Politics of Representation" (2015).

Matthews' work has been praised for its originality, rigor, and insight. She is a leading scholar in the field of African American studies, and her work has helped to shape our understanding of the Harlem Renaissance and its legacy.

Kenyatta Matthews

Key Aspects of Kenyatta Matthews' Work

Matthews' work focuses on the following key aspects:

• The Harlem Renaissance
• African American literature
• African American film
• African American culture

Matthews' work on the Harlem Renaissance has been particularly influential. She has argued that the Harlem Renaissance was not simply a literary movement, but a broader cultural movement that encompassed music, dance, theater, and visual art. She has also shown how the Harlem Renaissance was a complex and contested movement, with a variety of different voices and perspectives.

The Importance of Kenyatta Matthews' Work

Matthews' work is important for a number of reasons. First, it provides a new and more nuanced understanding of the Harlem Renaissance. Second, it highlights the importance of African American culture and its contributions to American society. Third, it challenges traditional notions of race and identity.

Matthews' work is a valuable resource for anyone interested in African American history, culture, or literature. Her work is also a reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion in our society.

Kenyatta Matthews

Kenyatta Matthews is an Associate Professor of English and the Director of the Africana Studies Program at Rutgers University-Newark. Her research interests include African American literature, film, and culture, with a focus on the Harlem Renaissance.

• Scholar: Matthews is a leading scholar in the field of African American studies, and her work has helped to shape our understanding of the Harlem Renaissance and its legacy.
• Writer: Matthews is the author of the book "Making a Spectacle: African American Dance and the Politics of Representation" (2015).
• Educator: Matthews is a dedicated educator who is committed to teaching students about the richness and complexity of African American culture.
• Activist: Matthews is an active member of her community, and she is committed to fighting for social justice.
• Mentor: Matthews is a mentor to many students and junior scholars, and she is committed to helping them succeed in their careers.
• Leader: Matthews is a leader in the field of African American studies, and she is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in academia.

These are just a few of the key aspects of Kenyatta Matthews' work and life. She is a scholar, writer, educator, activist, mentor, and leader who is making a significant contribution to our understanding of African American culture and history.

Scholar

Kenyatta Matthews is a leading scholar in the field of African American studies. Her work has helped to shape our understanding of the Harlem Renaissance and its legacy. She has argued that the Harlem Renaissance was not simply a literary movement, but a broader cultural movement that encompassed music, dance, theater, and visual art. She has also shown how the Harlem Renaissance was a complex and contested movement, with a variety of different voices and perspectives.

Matthews' work is important because it provides a new and more nuanced understanding of the Harlem Renaissance. It also highlights the importance of African American culture and its contributions to American society. Finally, it challenges traditional notions of race and identity.

Matthews' work has been praised by other scholars in the field. For example, Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. of Harvard University has said that Matthews' work is "a major contribution to our understanding of the Harlem Renaissance." Professor Hazel Carby of Yale University has said that Matthews' work is "a brilliant and original analysis of the Harlem Renaissance."

Matthews' work is also having a significant impact on the way that the Harlem Renaissance is taught in schools and universities. For example, her work is now included in many college textbooks on the Harlem Renaissance. Her work is also being used to develop new curricula for teaching the Harlem Renaissance in K-12 schools.

Matthews' work is a valuable resource for anyone interested in African American history, culture, or literature. Her work is also a reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion in our society.

Writer

Kenyatta Matthews' book "Making a Spectacle: African American Dance and the Politics of Representation" (2015) is a major contribution to the field of African American studies. In this book, Matthews examines the ways in which African American dance has been used to represent and negotiate issues of race, gender, and sexuality.

Matthews argues that African American dance is not simply a form of entertainment, but a powerful form of political expression. She shows how African American dancers have used their bodies to challenge racist stereotypes, to assert their cultural identity, and to fight for social justice.

Matthews' book is based on extensive research, including archival research, interviews with dancers and choreographers, and analysis of dance performances. She provides a rich and nuanced account of the history of African American dance, from its origins in Africa to its contemporary manifestations.

"Making a Spectacle" is a groundbreaking work that sheds new light on the importance of African American dance. It is a must-read for anyone interested in African American history, culture, or performance studies.

Educator

Kenyatta Matthews is a dedicated educator who is committed to teaching students about the richness and complexity of African American culture. She is a passionate and knowledgeable teacher who is able to connect with students on a personal level. She is also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the classroom.

Matthews' commitment to teaching is evident in her work both inside and outside of the classroom. She is the director of the Africana Studies Program at Rutgers University-Newark, where she has developed a number of new courses and programs on African American culture. She is also the founder of the Newark Black Film Festival, which brings independent black films to the Newark community.

Matthews' work as an educator is having a significant impact on the lives of her students. She is helping to shape a new generation of scholars and activists who are committed to fighting for social justice.

Activist

Kenyatta Matthews is an active member of her community, and she is committed to fighting for social justice. She is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, and she has worked tirelessly to promote these values both on and off campus.

One of the most important ways that Matthews fights for social justice is through her work with the Newark Black Film Festival. This festival brings independent black films to the Newark community, and it provides a platform for black filmmakers to share their stories and perspectives. The festival has been a huge success, and it has helped to raise awareness of important social issues.

In addition to her work with the Newark Black Film Festival, Matthews is also involved in a number of other social justice initiatives. She is a member of the board of directors of the New Jersey Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, and she is also a member of the advisory board of the Newark Anti-Violence Coalition. Matthews is a passionate and committed activist, and she is making a real difference in her community.

Matthews' activism is an important part of her work as a scholar and educator. She believes that it is important to use her voice and her platform to speak out against injustice. She is also committed to teaching her students about the importance of social justice. Matthews is a role model for her students, and she is inspiring them to become active members of their communities.

Mentor

Kenyatta Matthews is a dedicated mentor to many students and junior scholars. She is committed to helping them succeed in their careers, and she provides them with guidance, support, and resources.

Matthews' mentorship is important because it helps to shape the next generation of scholars and activists. She provides her students with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen fields. She also helps them to develop their critical thinking skills, their research skills, and their writing skills.

Matthews' mentorship is also important because it helps to promote diversity and inclusion in academia. She is committed to mentoring students from all backgrounds, and she is especially committed to mentoring students from underrepresented groups.

Matthews' mentorship is a valuable asset to her students and to the academy as a whole. She is a dedicated and committed mentor who is making a real difference in the lives of her students.

Leader

Kenyatta Matthews is a leader in the field of African American studies. She is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in academia, and she has worked tirelessly to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for students and faculty of color.

• Role Model and Mentor: Matthews is a role model and mentor for many students and junior scholars, and she is committed to helping them succeed in their careers. She provides them with guidance, support, and resources, and she helps them to develop their critical thinking skills, their research skills, and their writing skills.
• Curriculum Development: Matthews is also committed to developing curricula that are more inclusive and representative of the diversity of the African American experience. She has worked to incorporate more works by black authors into the curriculum, and she has also developed new courses on African American history, culture, and literature.
• Outreach and Engagement: Matthews is committed to outreach and engagement with the community. She brings independent black films to the Newark community through the Newark Black Film Festival, and she also works with local schools and organizations to promote diversity and inclusion.
• Advocacy and Activism: Matthews is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in academia, and she has spoken out against racism and discrimination. She is a member of the board of directors of the New Jersey Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, and she is also a member of the advisory board of the Newark Anti-Violence Coalition.

Matthews' leadership is making a real difference in the field of African American studies. She is helping to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for students and faculty of color, and she is also helping to promote diversity and inclusion in the curriculum and in the community.

FAQs about Kenyatta Matthews

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Kenyatta Matthews, an Associate Professor of English and the Director of the Africana Studies Program at Rutgers University-Newark.

Question 1: What are Kenyatta Matthews' research interests?

Kenyatta Matthews' research interests include African American literature, film, and culture, with a focus on the Harlem Renaissance. She is particularly interested in the ways in which African Americans have used culture to challenge racism and discrimination.

Question 2: What is Kenyatta Matthews' most well-known work?

Kenyatta Matthews is best known for her book "Making a Spectacle: African American Dance and the Politics of Representation" (2015). In this book, she examines the ways in which African American dance has been used to represent and negotiate issues of race, gender, and sexuality.

Question 3: What are Kenyatta Matthews' contributions to the field of African American studies?

Kenyatta Matthews has made significant contributions to the field of African American studies through her research, teaching, and activism. She has helped to shape our understanding of the Harlem Renaissance and its legacy, and she has also worked to promote diversity and inclusion in academia.

Summary:

Kenyatta Matthews is a leading scholar in the field of African American studies. Her work has helped to shape our understanding of the Harlem Renaissance and its legacy. She is also a dedicated educator and activist who is committed to fighting for social justice.

Conclusion

Kenyatta Matthews is a leading scholar in the field of African American studies. Her work has helped to shape our understanding of the Harlem Renaissance and its legacy. She is also a dedicated educator and activist who is committed to fighting for social justice.

Matthews' work is important because it provides a new and more nuanced understanding of the Harlem Renaissance. It also highlights the importance of African American culture and its contributions to American society. Finally, it challenges traditional notions of race and identity.

Matthews is a role model for scholars, educators, and activists alike. Her work is inspiring and thought-provoking, and it is making a real difference in the world.