Alicia Fontnette
Biography
鈥婣licia Fontnette is an assistant professor of Africana Studies at the 91原创 and a scholar-activist who is dedicated to the freedom and liberation of Black and Brown people throughout the Diaspora. She believes that her responsibility is to help students encounter breakthroughs in thinking and acting in the interest of social justice.听
Dr. Fontnette鈥檚 pedagogical practice is rooted in the decolonization and humanization of all her students. In 2012, Dr. Fontnette became a board member for the National Council for Black Studies and currently serves as its membership chairperson. From 2012-2016, Dr. Fontnette held positions in both the African Diaspora and the World Department and English Department at Spelman College. However, it was during her tenure in K-12 that Dr. Fontnette鈥檚 instructional practices developed into an art that ensured student success. Students seeing themselves in the curriculum, being a part of the curriculum building process, having a space for their voices, and the grounding of classes in discourse and reflection has proven to be models that Dr. Fontnette believes are a necessity for learning, not only in K-12, but also the collegiate level. In 2021, Dr. Fontnette created Transformative Educational Coaching, L.L.C. to assist college professors with transitioning from a lecture style classroom to one of student dialogue and discourse.听听
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Research Interests
鈥婦r. Fontnette鈥檚 research interests include Black women and their development in America, the impact of Hurricane Katrina on Black women in New Orleans, and the use of Black women鈥檚 voices in literature as tools for liberation. More recently, Dr. Fontnette鈥檚 research endeavors have focused on freedom and liberatory practices in K-12 education in America and the decolonization of oppressive practices in the classroom.听听
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Teaching Interests
- 鈥婤lack Feminist Theory
- Black Women and Development
- Black American Literature
- The African Novel
- Black Women鈥檚 History in America
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Degrees
- 鈥婥lark Atlanta University, Ph.D. Humanities, Africana Women鈥檚 Studies, and English
- Clark Atlanta University: M.A. African and African-American Studies
- Dillard University: B.A. History/English
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A broader lens
February 11, 2026 | Written by Megan M.F. EverhartThe first National Council for Black Studies graduate assistant gains deeper understanding of her culture and background -
The Future of Africana Studies
October 23, 2024 | Written by Megan M.F. EverhartThe inaugural James E. Newton Symposium honored Newton鈥檚 legacy of activism and people-centered scholarship -
Expanding understanding
February 26, 2024 | Written by 91原创aily StaffSarah Lacour, a history and art double major with a minor in Africana studies, is a member of the National Council for Black Studies Honor Society.