Valerie Ann Gray

Professor, Presenter, Author, Sensitivity Reader, Consultant, and Conscious (Servant) Leader

Valerie is a Professor of English and teaches courses in composition, business writing, technical writing, professional writing, and literature.

Valerie is a nationally and internationally recognized presenter with over 40 presentations to colleges, conferences, and organizations. Her speaking engagements focus on various topics under belonging, diversity equity, inclusion, curricula development, English studies, history, and technology. She continues to conduct research on these subjects to present innovative approaches for attendees.

She has written two biographies published for for the African-American National Biography, Harvard University, nonfiction children’s books, and college textbooks. Her authoring credits include two nonfiction children's books for Enslow Publishing: Jason Kidd: Star Guard and The Court-Martial Trial of Cadet Johnson C. Whittaker.

The Present-Day Implications of the Court Martial of Cadet Johnson Whittaker: What You Can Learn from Justice Trailblazers to Help You Advocate for Your Communities.

Johnson Whittaker was an African-American cadet at West Point Military Academy in West Point, New York, in the 1880s. Following a racially motivated attack on Whittaker by several white cadets, (who later denied any involvement), Whittaker was court-martialed.

In The Court-Martial Trial of West Point Cadet Johnson Whittaker: A Headline Court Case, author Valerie Ann Gray explains the racially charged atmosphere that made Whittaker’s time at West Point difficult. The book chronicles the trial, including the defense’s ridiculous theory that Whittaker inflicted the injuries on himself as an attempt to gain sympathy.

In this educational and motivational presentation, Valerie uses this case as a catalyst for middle school to high school students to think about the ramifications of racial bias and the implementation of strategies that are intentional so that they may be advocates for the betterment of their communities.

Let's get started. Contact Valerie to discuss fees and to schedule a presentation that will provide students with innovative ways to advocate for their communities.