Technology and the Dream: Reflections on the Black Experience at MIT, 1941-1999 [Hardcover]

Clarence G. Williams (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 15, 2001

This book grew out of the Blacks at MIT History Project, whose mission is to document the black presence at MIT. The main body of the text consists of transcripts of more than seventy-five oral history interviews, in which the interviewees assess their MIT experience and reflect on the role of blacks at MIT and beyond. Although most of the interviewees are present or former students, black faculty, administrators, and staff are also represented, as are nonblack faculty and administrators who have had an impact on blacks at MIT. The interviewees were selected with an eye to presenting the broadest range of issues and personalities, as well as a representative cross section by time period and category.Each interviewee was asked to discuss family background; education; role models and mentors; experiences of racism and race-related issues; choice of field and career; goals; adjustment to the MIT environment; best and worst MIT experiences; experience with MIT support services; relationships with MIT students, faculty, and staff; advice to present or potential MIT students; and advice to the MIT administration. A recurrent theme is that MIT's rigorous teaching instills the confidence to deal with just about any hurdle in professional life, and that an MIT degree opens many doors and supplies instant credibility.Each interview includes biographical notes and pictures. The book also includes a general introduction, a glossary, and appendixes describing the project's methodology.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"As one of the first major works to record the experience of black engineering students in North America, the text is a milestone." David C. K. Tay, Canadian Consulting Engineer

"Technology and the Dream: Reflections on the Black Experience at MIT, 1941-1999 is a must for anyone interested in promoting diversity at a major higher education institution. It is also a valuable collection of MIT's efforts to increase African American presence. I highly recommend it."--Julius L. Chambers, Chancellor, North Carolina Central University

About the Author

Transcripts of more than seventy-five oral history interviews in which the interviewees assess their MIT experience and reflect on the role of blacks at MIT and beyond.

Clarence G. Williams is Special Assistant to the President, Ombudsman, and Adjunct Professor of Urban Studies and Planning at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Ann Duerr, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., is currently the HIV Section Chief in the Division of Reproductive Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She has published numerous articlesand edited a book on HIV infection among women. She has servedas a consultant for UNICEF and WHO on HIV-related issues andbeen a member of numerous working groups, including the PresidentialPanel on HIV/AIDS in South Africa. She has received severalawards for her work in the field of international health and HIV/AIDS research, including the Surgeon General's Exemplary ServiceAward.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1054 pages
• Publisher: The MIT Press (January 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 026223212X
• ISBN-13: 978-0262232128
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.4 x 2.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,647,359 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Long overdue and rich in experiences, September 4, 2003

By 

Robbin Chapman (Cambridge, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Technology and the Dream: Reflections on the Black Experience at MIT, 1941-1999 (Paperback)

This historical volume contains a wealth of information about the MIT experience as seem from the black perspective -- in all its diversity. Dr. Williams' insightful telling of these personal stories, coupled with individual interviews, gives the reader a sense of the fullness of the MIT experience across a broad spectrum, from the estatic to the achingly painful. A compelling read, whether you want a true glimpse of the Black scholar's experience at MIT or to enrich your knowledge of the Institute itself.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent account, January 31, 2012

By 

Bernard H. Robinson (Hillsborough, NJ United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Technology and the Dream: Reflections on the Black Experience at MIT, 1941-1999 (Hardcover)

I greatly enjoyed this narrative. As a member of the community described I found Dr. Williams work accurate and enlightening.