Research in focus: Alexis McGee

Name:

Alexis McGee

My pronouns:

she/her

Title:

Assistant Professor of Research

Faculty/Department/Unit:

School of Journalism, Writing, and Media

Location:

Vancouver

Year I started working at UBC:

2021

Provide an overview of your research in 75 words or less:

I am an interdisciplinary scholar engaging with various fields such as Rhetoric, Composition, Black Studies, Critical Pedagogies, Sound Studies, as well as Women and Gender Studies. My concentrated research interests focus on Black women’s rhetorical uses of voice, literacies, and expression. My book, From Blues to Beyoncé: A Century of Black Women’s Generational Sonic Rhetorics amplifies Black women’s public assertions of resistance, agency, and hope across different media from the nineteenth century to today.

What first motivated you (or motivates you) to conduct your research?

My research is inspired by the overwhelming accounts of Black women who are often not recognized or heard but still go on maneuvering daily life - with or without recognition; it’s inspired by the countless Black women who have had their stories and struggles pushed aside and discounted by the everyday attempts to survive in an anti-Black world. In my opinion, that is not showcased enough; I wanted to celebrate that and celebrate us.

What do you hope will change as a result of this research?

As a scholar of colour, I hope I can add my voice to the wealth of resources other scholars and activists have shared as we continue educating each other about intersectionality and antiBlackness, among other forms of marginalization. In doing that, I hope to highlight that acts of oppression take on many forms and, alternatively, open readers' minds to be more aware of the ways we can and have been countering such violence.

What have you learned during your research that has surprised you the most?

I found that doing research is never a solo activity. In my experience, research is a commitment to community and an exercise in self-love and patience. To take on any sustained project, like writing a book, you have to lean on mentors, ask for help, treat yourself kindly, and be invested in the topic.

Describe any interesting research milestones you are approaching

While it might not be the most interesting research milestone, the publication of my first book, From Blues to Beyoncé: A Century of Black Women's Generational Sonic Rhetoric, is the biggest research milestone I can think of in this moment. It has been long in the making (at least four years), and I could not be happier to have my research out in the world.

Learn more:

The Evolution of Black Women’s Voice: From Blues to Beyoncé