Bison Trailblazers | Dr. Ashley Robertson Preston

by Jasmine M. Ellis

 

Dr. Ashley Robertson Preston, Assistant Professor of History at Howard University, is set to release her book this May, Mary McLeod Bethune the Pan-Africanist.

Preston’s interest in Bethune, an educator and civil rights leader, began during her time as a doctoral student in the Department of History at Howard. She attributes this interest to Dr. Elizabeth Clark-Lewis, who Preston says encouraged her to volunteer at the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House in Washington, DC. 

“This book initially started as my dissertation topic when I was a student here,” Preston says. “My major was the African Diaspora, and I was working at the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House/National Archives for Black Women’s History. While working, I began to uncover Mrs. Bethune’s international travels, and I began to identify her as a Pan-Africanist. This book has been in the works for over a decade. Having worked at two of her homes (in Washington, DC, and Daytona Beach, Florida), I feel as though I owed it to her to let people know that she was more than an educator and a presidential advisor.”

In an interview with The Sway, Preston talks about the writing process, how Bethune inspired her work, and advises those interested in becoming published authors. This article has been condensed and edited for clarity. 

The Sway: What has the writing process been like?

Ashley Robertson Preston: Writing has been tough! Juggling a career, motherhood, being a wife, and writing is not for the weak. I had much more free time when I was a student.

TS: What did you find exciting or were surprised to learn about Bethune?

AP: I was surprised to know that Mrs. Bethune loved sports! She loved football and would often attend the Bethune-Cookman games.

TS: How has Bethune inspired you and your work as a historian and author?

AP: You would not believe how much Mrs. Bethune has become a part of my life. I feel that I am called to tell her story. I have connected with some of her family members and elders who knew her, and I have really made it my mission to expand the narrative regarding who she was.

TS:  What advice can you share with members of the Howard community who are interested in or are in the process of writing a book and are dealing with obstacles?

AP: Make a schedule! Even if you only write for five minutes per day, just stick to the schedule and make it a natural part of your week.

TS: What do you hope that readers take away from your book?

AP: I hope that this causes more Black women in history to be seen as Pan-Africanists because, for far too long, the literature has focused on men. More importantly I hope this book helps readers to see Mrs. Bethune as an internationally known leader who was concerned about the plight of Africans throughout the Diaspora.

TS: Do you want to share anything memorable from the research, writing, or publication process?

AP: One of the most memorable aspects was when I spoke to a woman in Canada who remembered Mrs. Bethune’s visit in 1954. She really made my day!

TS: Will you be available to talk about the book locally? Will there be a tour?

I will be touring, but I am still confirming dates. On the release day (May 16th), I will be at Sankofa for a book talk. I am really excited to be speaking about the book in a place where I used to write during my doctoral journey.

More information about the book here.