William H. Watkins was born in Harlem, New York, and raised in south-central Los Angeles. He received a BA in political science, an MEd, and a PhD in Public Policy Analysis–Education. He currently serves as professor and coordinator of the PhD Program, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, College of Education, University of Illinois at Chicago. He authored The White Architects of Black Education (2001); was editor and contributor to The Assault on Public Education (2012); was editor and contributor to Black Protest Thought and Education (2005); and was lead editor and contributor to Race and Education (2001). Additionally, Bill has authored over 75 book chapters, articles, and book reviews.