Dr. Pinckney on the Book and Why it Matters

Charles Pinckney, Ph.D., also known as the Academic Gangsta 

He grew up in rural South Carolina, where sports were an integral part of his life and his

aspiration in his early life was to be an NBA player. However, Pinckney eventually decided to

change his career path after a conversation with a college professor who encouraged him to focus his time and energy in academics, rather than basketball. Pinckney attained his Bachelor’s degree at Lander University, his Master’s degree in Counseling at Webster University and ultimately his PhD in Psychology at Walden University. He has always remained committed to his inherent love of sports, wearing several hats, such as the President of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Faculty Athletic Representative Association, Faculty Athletic Representative of the National Colleague Athletic Association (NCAA), and Chair of the Athletic Academic Committee (CIAA Conference). In addition to his work with athletics, Pinckney is dedicated to education outreach and volunteering with local schools and community organizations. 

Dr. Charles Pinckney is a highly acclaimed lecturer, speaker ,consultant, trainer, educator and author. He conducts several workshops every year, presenting topics to include mental health, substance abuse, hip-hop culture, and effective communication strategies. He also facilitates and moderates focus groups for teenagers and adults. He is known for his creative, enthusiastic and captivating messages. He encourages and demonstrates for participants how to reach, teach and inspire students. Dr. Pinckney has worked extensively to improve the academic success rates of African-American student-athletes and to increase mental health awareness. 

This work led to Dr. Pinckney’s first book, entitled, "From Slaveships to Scholarships: The Plight of the Black Athlete” which is now available. This book provides a rich historical context of the African–American athletic experiences and their many accomplishments. It also delves into the past and current affairs of the black athlete to include the social development, politics, empowerment, forgiveness and acceptance. It is a fascinating collection of historical stories of inspiration and acceptance. '

Dr. Pinckney’s CV reads like a mini novel. He is a lecturing professor at UNCC, Chair of the Psychology Department at Livingstone College; Co-Founder and President of the Educational Research Group; NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative; NCAA FARA Fellow; President of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Faculty; President of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Faculty Athletic Representative Association, CIAA Basketball Tournament Committee, CIAA Management Council, Chair of the CIAA Athletic Academic Committee and a former member of the NCAA Division II Legislative Committee. Dr. Pinckney teaches the following courses at UNCC and Livingstone College: Sports Psychology, Human Learning and Cognition, Psychology of the Black Experience, Introduction to Hip-Hop Culture, Global Hip-Hop Culture and Hip-Hop Culture and Entrepreneurship.

Breaking it down chapter by chapter 

"From Slaveships to Scholarships: The Plight of the African-American Athlete" provides the readers with specific themes and a set of conceptual frameworks that are critical to understanding the overall psychology and nuances of the Black athlete both past and present. This book offers a comprehensive look into the lives of the Black athlete, the psychological struggles both on and off the field. This book draws on personal observations of various Black athletes, other scholar’s fieldwork and scholarship.