The 4C’s series continues in a new episode of La Rhetorica!
In this episode of La Rhetorica, I sit down with Dr. Ursula Ore, former chair of the 4C’s Black Caucus. Dr. Ore is an Associate Professor of African American Studies and Rhetoric at Arizona State University and author of the award-winning book Lynching: Violence, Rhetoric, and American Identity. Our conversation moves across a wide range of topics. We talk about what it means to move through academia with both faith and fear in the passenger seat, how Black women scholars navigate expectations around civility and respectability, and what it means to write from a place of love rather than obligation. Dr. Ore also reflects on her time serving as Chair of the 4C’s Black Caucus, the importance of creating spaces of fellowship and professional support for scholars at every stage, and why community remains essential for surviving and transforming academic institutions.
Along the way, we discuss mentorship, writing practices, the emotional realities of academic leadership, and how Black women continue to shape the intellectual and civic life of this country, often without recognition.
Sitting down with Dr. Ursula Ore felt like wrapping up in a warm blanket and a cup of cinnamon tea after a long day outside. Even through a computer screen, her presence is inviting, warm, grounding, direct, and deeply generous. I left our conversation with a profound sense of what it looks like to encourage others while also standing firm on your own boundaries and self-care. Dr. Ore has a remarkable ability take no shit and be uncompromising while still creating space for care, mentorship, and joy. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.
Amanda Patterson Partin, Ph.D.
Academic Editor | Dissertation Coach
Patterson Partin Editing, LLC 🌐 www.pattersonpartinediting.com
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