Written as a challenge to discriminatory hiring, promotion, and tenure practices, Spirit, Space and Survival confronts racist and sexist practices in academia. Presenting essays by African American women in administration, psychology, political science, American studies, education, women's studies, literature, artist-in-residence programs, and African American studies, this collection challenges academic hierarchies, and places community as central in learning.

Divided into three sections, Spirit, Space and Survival examines the dilemmas and contributions of African American women struggling with Eurocentric disciplines, students, faculty, and administrators in predominantly white institutions. The first section focuses on spiritual and intellectual sources and inspirations, covering such topics as the expanding tradition of African American women artists, and the relationships between African-centered philosophy, critical thinking, and women's political activism. The second section critiques and disturbs the rigidity of certain academic disciplines, ranging over issues such as the misrepresentation of African American women in U.S. literature and the perpetuation of Euro-American mythology and mystification in academia. The final section addresses past and present conditions and future needs of African American women in academia.

Weaving together spiritual and intellectual aspirations of African American women as a remedy to hostile and indifferent educational environments, this groundbreaking collection offers alternative approaches to learning, teaching, and organization.