معرفی
Lakeya Afolalu is an Assistant Professor at the University of Washington’s College of Education in the Language, Literacy, and Culture department. She is affiliated with the African Studies Program and the Banks Center for Educational Justice.
- Ph.D. in Language & Literacy Studies from The University of Texas at Austin
- M.A. in Curriculum & Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University
- B.A. in Elementary Education from Michigan State University
Her research examines African immigrant and transnational youth identities, digital literacies, and intersections of race, gender, and colonial histories. She emphasizes critical global frameworks and Black youth diversity.
Recent publications focus on redefining literacy through digital and visual arts, addressing linguistic discrimination, and deconstructing racial categories. Supported by grants from NCTE, AERA, and UW Resilience Lab.
- Early Career Educator of Color Leadership Fellowship (NCTE, 2024–2026)
- Resilience and Compassion SEED Grant (UW, 2024–2025)
- Scholars of Color Transitioning into Academic Research Institutions Fellow (LRA, 2022–2024)
- Outstanding Dissertation Award (AERA, 2022)
- Cultivating New Voices among Scholars of Color (NCTE, 2020–2022)
- Texas New Scholars Fellowship (UT Austin, 2016–2019)
She teaches courses like Postcolonial Identities in the Arts, Youth Multiliteracies, and Literacy III, with a focus on language, culture, and power. Her work extends to community partnerships supporting youth of color.
