Q&A with Dr. Hassana Alidou

Dr. Hassana Alidou is Professor of Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and Cross-cultural Studies in the Graduate School of Education, San Diego Campus. She received both her master’s and doctorate in socio-linguistics from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. She’s taught at Texas A&M University, worked for the U.N. and World Bank, traveled to over 30 countries, published several books and continues to speak at conferences around the world, from Oslo to England. She has been an active participant in policy making and consults for governments and organizations such as UNICEF, Association of Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) and UNESCO. Outside of work Dr. Alidou spends time with her family and works extensively with community based organizations in San Diego, and in Africa when she is on her academic break.

Q: How has African and African American history impacted your goals, dreams, success, and life’s mission?

A: My grandmother told me when I was very young that if you don't know where you come from, you do not know where you are going. So for me my family history has been a history for struggle for the liberation and a history of service. My grandparents and my parents are community leaders and they have instilled in me the importance of service to the community, be it my family, my neighborhood, and wherever I happen to be. My teaching, research and service at the professional level reflect this core belief. I think Black people have always made sacrifices and their history in the Americas inspires me as it shows how resilient people could overcome hardship.

Q: Are there people who have influenced your life and your professional work?

A: My own maternal grandmother is the source of inspiration for me. She worked hard to raise five children left by her deceased daughter. She never complained, instead she instilled in us hard work and perseverance. Moreover, reaching out to others who are less fortunate was always the focus of the discussion in our living room. The second person is my twin sister. She has been my sister, my friend, my supporter. She is also a Professor at Rutgers University in New Jersey. We helped each other in any way we can. As an African, the sacrifice made by people like Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King and Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela, Winnie Mandela and so many others is something that I do not take for granted. To the contrary, I am reminded everyday that someone paved the way for me. I have to do the same or better. I also have to reach out to all people regardless of race, religion, gender or any other socio-economic and cultural differences. I am a strong believer of multiculturalism and pluralism.

Q: Have you had experiences of discrimination or injustice? Can you share one?

A: I was the first student who graduated from my undergraduate but I was not considered for graduate school even though I was cum laude and I proved I deserved it. I did not give up on myself because of it. Instead, I went ahead and applied independently to the Thomas Jefferson Fellowship with the help of one of my professor, Professor Mary White Kaba. It was a highly competitive scholarship and my twin sister and I were selected as the top candidates. At the end of the day, these injustices cannot define me. To the contrary it helps me to be more resilient than I have ever been. It also helps me to know how to make sure another person does not suffer the same treatment. I do not dwell on this type of situation. I learn from it.

Q: What excites you about the work that you do?

A: I am excited about my work as I meet every semester and every day people from different backgrounds. My research has been used in different countries to inform national and international educational policies. Recent published chapters are "Teaching practices - Teaching In a familiar language" and "Active students - learning through a language they master". The feedback I get from colleagues in Africa, Europe and America is encouraging. This year I was honored by my students through my nomination in the "Who's Who Among Americas Teachers". I consider myself a teacher and I serve my students. To get this award from them means a lot to me. So I am grateful. With my involvement with international institutions such as UNESCO I have traveled in so many countries and communities and I learn to know what is really important and what is not. I also learn to appreciate life and what it has to offer. My work is very rewarding for me socially and intellectually. I feel each time I make a difference in someone life the same way that my life is positively impacted through my work.

Q: For you, what is the significance of Black History month?

A: It is significant in a context where Blacks are still considered a minority group because of their history and their experiences in the Americas. It is important for a country like the U.S. to recognize the contribution that Black people have made to this country. However, I believe this symbolic recognition needs to be materialized through more effective civil rights policies. I think the U.S. is making progress if we compare to other countries in the Western hemisphere where race issues are not well addressed like in France. Watching the primary election and listening to Obama and how the country is responding to him. I believe the civil rights movement was an important movement. The Black History Month is a reminder of the struggles and the triumph of Black people in the U.S. and all people regardless of race.

Q: What advice or messages do you have for today’s African American students (whether elementary, secondary, or college-level)?

A: Get your education. It is the starting point in a competitive world.

Q: What recommendations do you have for Alliant to better promote the success of Black students and to better serve the Black community?

A: Even though Alliant was classified as a University which honors diversity, I think we have a lot to do to recruit Black students. I do not know if other campuses have a significant number of Black students. In San Diego we do not have many. Probably we need to offer some scholarship. The presence of Black faculty in Alliant campuses is an important factor. We need to develop mentoring programs to make students successful once they arrive on campus. As Alliant International faculty, I attend events organized by Black organizations in the community. It is important.