For almost a decade, Dr. Heather Knight served as president for Pacific Union College, where she was responsible for overseeing all college operations during a period of expansion. Considered a pioneer in her field, Dr. Heather Knight is the first black woman to rise to several key administrative roles in higher education. Dr. Knight holds a post-doctoral degree and has taught several courses at the University of the Pacific, including African-American literature and the work of black women writers.
Sometimes overlooked, black female writers have explored and protested against racism, violence, and abuse. A number have become literary icons. Maya Angelou was an American author, poet, and activist who earned a place in the literary canon with the book I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, released in 1969.
Another acclaimed writer is Toni Morrison, the first black woman ever to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature. Besides being a novelist, Morrison is a teacher and had her book Beloved adapted for the screen. The Color Purple, another famous work that went from book to movie, is from one of the best-known African-American authors, Alice Walker. Walker is an activist, fighting for feminist causes, economic justice, and environmental measures.
Heather Knight 