The Journal of African American Composition and Rhetoric (Volume 1)

The Journal of African American Composition and Rhetoric publishes scholarship that investigates, interrogates, and promotes paradigm shifts towards change for students of African descent in academia. In addition, research in writing across the curriculum, rhetoric, pedagogy, effective teaching methods of instruction, and theoretical and practical approaches to identifying with students of African descent are also vital in the journal. Finally, scholarship in African American Rhetoric and rhetorical analyses in disciplines across the curriculum are also explored. The Journal of African American Composition and Rhetoric ISBN-13: 978-0615740430 (Bowie State University) ISBN-10: 061574043X (print) is published three times per year in August, January, and May by Bowie State University’s Journal of African American Composition and Rhetoric, c/o Dr. Monique Leslie Akassi 14000 Jericho Park Road, Bowie, Maryland 20715. Subscriptions and copies can be purchased via email at MAkassi@bowiestate.edu. Single copies are $10.00 each. Communications regarding joining the editorial advisory committee should be addressed to the editor. Information regarding joining the African American Composition and Rhetoric Society and the research committee should also be addressed to the editor and editorial advisory committee at MAkassi@bowiestate.edu. Call for Manuscripts The Journal of African American Composition and Rhetoric is a multidisciplinary journal with an emphasis on writing across the curriculum, African American Composition and Rhetoric, scholarship that investigates, interrogates, and promotes paradigm shifts towards change for students of African descent in academia. In addition, research in writing across the curriculum, rhetoric, pedagogy, effective teaching methods of instruction, and theoretical and practical approaches to identifying with students of African descent are also vital in the journal. Finally, scholarship in African American Rhetoric and rhetorical analyses in disciplines across the curriculum are also explored. Manuscripts are accepted throughout the year but must be received before the December/January and August/May publication release date. Since The Journal of African American Composition and Rhetoric promotes critical reading, thinking, and writing across the curriculum— manuscripts can be in any standard document style (MLA, APA, Chicago style, Turabian style, etc.,), should not exceed 20 pages in length—not including tables, graphs, figures, and references—and typed double spaced in 12 point font Times New Roman. Submissions can be submitted for publication consideration to Dr. Monique Leslie Akassi at MAkassi@bowiestate.edu as an attachment. Manuscripts should be original and not submitted to other journals. Manuscripts should include a short bio, cover letter, and contact information. Chief Editor Dr.Monique Leslie Akassi Bowie State University Associate Editors Dr.Clement Animan Akassi Howard University Dr.Kehbuma Langmia Bowie State University Professor Carrza DuBose Morgan State University Table of Contents The African American Composition and Rhetoric Journal: The Paradigm Shift Series Volume 1 Issue 1 2013 Training Literacy Professionals to Deliver Adjusted Practice in Culturally Complex Classrooms By:Michelle McAnuff-Gumbs “I Ain’t Gonna Read No Book!”: The Use of Autobiography and Biography in Teaching African American History to Community College Students By: Anthony A. Lee Connecting to the Past: Building Communities and Bridging Cultures in the African Diaspora By:Bradley J. Borougerdi An Arduous Task: Engaging in the Battle Between Grades and Composition By: Nicole Wilson Lights, Cameras, Action! Teaching! By: Angela Chamblee Before Obama, There Was Cicero: Mastering the Art of Political Persuasion By: David Pluviose