Dr. Anita L. Allen – author, professor of law, and privacy advocate – has broken many barriers throughout her career. And now she’s broken yet another.
On July 1, 2018, Professor Allen became the first female African-American president of the Eastern Division of the American Philosophical Association (APA). This organization “promotes the discipline and profession of philosophy” and supports the professional growth of philosophers just entering the field to those who have been involved for decades. The goal of the organization is to “foster greater understanding and appreciation of the value of philosophical inquiry” for those inside and outside of the association.
“This is a huge moment. It was inconceivable to me, when I went to graduate school in philosophy in 1974, that a black woman—let alone me—would not only be able to obtain a Ph.D., but also someday come to be a leader, someone to whom others can look up.”
Professor Allen shares this honor with a long list of notable past presidents – including, John Dewey, who is considered one of the fathers of functional psychology. In an interview with Today Penn, Professor Allen explains exactly what this role means to her:
“This is a huge moment. It was inconceivable to me, when I went to graduate school in philosophy in 1974, that a black woman—let alone me—would not only be able to obtain a Ph.D., but also someday come to be a leader, someone to whom others can look up. It’s a great honor. I was elected by my peers, and that vote of confidence is enormously satisfying, especially for someone like me who grew up with parents who didn’t go to college.” Read the entire interview here.
For more information visit www.epic.org.
