Hooded: A Black Girl's Guide to the Ph.D.

by Malika Grayson

A Black Girl's Guide to the Ph.D. explores the unexamined experiences of Black women in higher education. From racism and navigating feelings of self-doubt to confronting microaggressions, Black women face an uphill battle as they earn advanced degrees in majority-white institutions and departments. Having a voice means facing retaliation or dismissal while staying silent becomes a heavy burden all its own.
In Hooded , Dr. Malika Grayson offers an account of surviving and thriving as a doctoral candidate in STEM. Written for those who have never seen themselves represented in their chosen career, Hooded provides practical survival strategies, mental health tips, and ideas for creating community and leaving a lasting legacy. With this essential resource, you won't feel quite as alone--and you might even become your own unexpected hero.

174 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2020

Reviews

[Laura Lagomarsino · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to be able to gift this book to PhD students going through their own journeys as Black scholars- but don’t think I will. Perhaps I was misled by the title; this is not a guide, really, but instead an individual’s quite outstanding story to their PhD, with loosely connected questions for current students to ponder after each chapter. The writing felt like reading a blog; very informal and centered around personal experience. Any advice given was pretty hackneyed or over general. Even though the author sometimes struggled within the structure of academia, the narrative seemed to be that you need to struggle within the non-inclusive system, doubling down on some of the unhealthy tropes in academia (eg, unhealthy work-life balance is inevitable). I admire the author and her truly impressive accomplishments, but don’t think I’ll be recommending her book.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Grayson provides a relatable and insightful guide to graduate school. She highlights the particular challenges black women experience in the higher education process, and gives clear and efficient steps to navigating those challenges. I'd recommend this book to anyone considering graduate school, not just black women.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for anyone who is on the journey through graduate school!