047 | Define Your Story

For Our Edification

Dr. Sheena Howard has persisted because of a simple mantra: "This is not the end of my story." She joined "For Our Edification" to talk about the importance of her work as a creator who centers her work on representation. Having survived domestic abuse at one point of her life, Sheena's journey is a call to action for anyone who's ever felt lost or unseen. She shares the power of self-belief and becoming the hero of your own narrative. Discover how Sheena's personal leadership can help you to tap into your inner strength and find the will to march toward your full potential.

About Dr. Sheena Howard

Website: https://sheenachoward.com

Sheena C. Howard, is an award-winning author, filmmaker, and scholar. In 2014 Sheena became the first Black woman to win an Eisner Award (considered the ‘Oscars of Comics’) for her first book, Black Comics: Politics of Race and Representation (2013). She is also the author of several critically acclaimed books and comics books. In 2017, Sheena published the Encyclopedia of Black Comics, which is the first book of its kind, profiling over 100 Black people in the comics industry. The Encyclopedia of Black Comics was named the 2018 American Library Associations’ Outstanding Reference Source.

In 2014, Sheena published Black Queer Identity Matrix and Critical Articulations of Race, Gender and Sexual Orientation. Sheena is the co-writer of the comic book, Superb about a teenage superhero with Down Syndrome.

Sheena has appeared on NPR, ABC, BBC, PBS as well as other networks and documentaries as an expert on popular culture, politics and social justice. Sheena is the subject of a 2018 Emmy-nominated episode of State of the Arts, which airs on NJTV and WHYY.

In 2016, Sheena directed, produced and wrote the documentary Remixing Colorblind, which explores the ways the educational system shapes our perception of race. Parts of the documentary were filmed at West Catholic High School in Philadelphia, Lehigh University and Drexel University. The film premiered at The Ritz Landmark theatre in Philadelphia. Sheena organized and hosted a talk about race and education at the Philadelphia Main Library in 2017 as a part of her documentary tour in which proceeds from the event went to local non-profit organizations.

Born and raised in Southwest Philadelphia, Sheena has twice received a Proclamation from the City of Philadelphia for her literary work, social justice and creative projects.

A dedicated mother, she is a professor at Rider University in the Department of Communication and Journalism. Outside of her full-time job, Sheena spends time writing and speaking to organizations and educational institutions on a variety of topics including social justice, diversity, and representation.

The views expressed on "For Our Edification" do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated.