Dr. Vershawn Young

Biography

Vershawn Young is a Professor in the Joint Appointed English Department at the University of Waterloo. He specializes in African American communication, law, literacy, and literature performance. He is notably recognized for his work with the Conference of College Composition and Communication (CCCC), where he has assembled committees that produced influential position statements on Black Linguistic Justice and Black Technical Professional Communication. Young has a rich background as a high school drama, English, and speech teacher, as well as an elementary school principal. He is also a solo performance artist and has won accolades for his portrayal in August Wilson’s play 'Fences'. As an anti-racist activist and member of the Aptly Outspoken Collective, he contributes to the discourse on diversity and inclusion, offering consulting services and organizing educational webinars on cultural competence and anti-racism. His scholarly contributions include articles on race and identity, and he has edited significant works on African American rhetoric and literacy education.

Research Interests