Meet Durthy A. Washington
As a former English professor and passionate advocate for literature and social justice, Durthy brings extensive expertise to the field of literary education. Her book, Culturally Responsive Reading: Teaching Literature for Social Justice (Teachers College Press, 2023), endorsed by Pulitzer Prize winner Junot Díaz, offers innovative approaches to teaching literature. Durthy’s critical essays have been featured in notable publications, including Connections and Influences in the Russian and American Short Story (Lexington Books, 2021), the Encyclopedia of the Black Arts Movement (Rowman & Littlefield, 2019), and Critical Insights: Beloved (Grey House, 2015). As the founder of LitUnlocked LLC, she offers seminars and workshops that help readers “unlock” literature through the lenses of Language, Identity, Space, and Time. Washington is dedicated to enriching literary understanding and promoting cultural awareness.
Education & Career
Durthy A. Washington brings over 20 years of educational experience to the forefront, specializing in social justice, culturally responsive teaching, and her innovative LIST Paradigm curriculum. As a seasoned educator and published author, she offers a wealth of knowledge to enhance classroom practices and community learning.
Education
San Jose State University
Masters of Arts Degree in English
San Diego University
Bachelors of Art's in English
University of Southern California, Los Angeles
Masters of Science in Education
Career & Academic Appointments
Lit Unlocked
Writer & Seminar Leader (2015-Present)
U.S. Air Force Academy
Assistant Professor (1999 - 2015)
Writing Center Director (2000 - 2015)
Colorado College
Visiting Assistant Professor (Summer 2008)
National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Summer Seminars: Language Matters
Northern Kentucky University (July 2005)
Cardozo High School, Washington, D.C. (July 2003)
Professional Memberships
The Toni Morrison Society
College Language Association (CLA)
Colorado Authors League (CAL)
Colorado Language Arts Society (CLAS)
National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)
Highlights of Professional Experience and Contributions
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Publications
Durthy's CV includes a range of essays and book chapters. Her forthcoming work features articles for The Sun Magazine and chapters on Coleman Silk and Toni Morrison in edited volumes from Bloomsbury Academic and Rowman & Littlefield. Notable published pieces include “Exploring the LIST Paradigm: Reading and Teaching Beloved” in Critical Insights: Beloved, and essays in Culturally Responsive Reading, Nonwhite and Woman, and Connections and Influences in the Russian and American Short Story. Her earlier works span topics from Junot Díaz’s The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao to critical perspectives on Ernest Gaines’s novels and prominent African American figures.res.
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Courses & Conference Presentations Given
Durthy has presented extensively on culturally responsive teaching and the LIST paradigm at numerous conferences. Her recent talks include “Reading Through the Lens of Culture: Exploring the LIST Paradigm” at the CLA Conference (2024), and multiple sessions on Culturally Responsive Reading at NCTE and CRLA Conferences (2022). Earlier presentations cover topics such as The Artist as Activist at the African American Youth Leadership Conference (2019), and “Teaching Multicultural Texts” at various forums, including CoTESOL and SoTL Conferences from 2003 to 2013. Her extensive speaking engagements also include discussions on Ernest Gaines’s work and Toni Morrison’s influence.
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Community Learning Courses
Faculty Development Workshops & Writing Workshops
Durthy's recent presentations cover diverse literary topics. Highlights include “How Does This Story Work?” (March 2024), discussions on The 1619 Project (Feb. 2024), and The LIST Paradigm (Oct. 2023). She has also addressed Celeste Ng’s Our Missing Hearts (April 2023) at the Pikes Peak Library District, and explored subjects such as African American classics, bibliotherapy, and the works of Malcolm Gladwell, Ruth Ozeki, and Viet Thanh Nguyen. Noteworthy talks include “The Black Novel as ‘Protest Fiction’” (Feb. 2021), “Reading in Reverse” (Feb. 2019), and “Illuminations: Exploring Post-Colonial Literatures” (July 2018).
Durthy has delivered numerous presentations on literature and teaching methodologies. Notable engagements include “Lit Unlocked: Exploring the LIST Paradigm” at the U.S. Air Force Academy (Sept. 2014) and various talks on Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun and Ousmane Sembene’s Niiwam. She has also focused on teaching Toni Morrison’s works, such as The Bluest Eye and Sula. Additionally, she has conducted workshops on writing personal statements and powerful writing at events like the Community Workshop at PPLD (Dec. 2018) and the Colorado Language Arts Society Conference (Mar. 1998).
Community Engagement
PILLAR Institute for Lifelong Learning
The PILLAR Institute for Lifelong Learning is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals through continuous education. Offering flexible programs in career development, wellness, the arts, and more, the Institute provides accessible learning opportunities for all ages. With a focus on personal and professional growth, PILLAR supports lifelong learning for everyone.
Over the past decade, Durthy has donated her time to teach courses such as the following at PILLAR in Colorado Springs, CO:
“How does This Story Work?”: Exploring Narrative Structure
The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story
The LIST Paradigm: A Guided Approach to Critical Reading
Culturally Responsive Reading: What It Is and Why It Matters
African American Classics: An Introduction
August Wilson’s “Century Cycle”
“Dusting Off the Myth”: The Novels of Toni Morrison
“The Art of the Story”: A Meditation on “Sonny’s Blues”
Reading Ruth Ozeki’s A Tale for the Time Being
Reading Viet Thanh Nguyen’s The Sympathizer
Theatreworks Scholarly Chats
Durthy A. Washington has played a pivotal role in enhancing the Scholarly Chats program at Theatreworks, particularly through her leadership in facilitating discussions around key productions. The Scholarly Chats are designed to deepen audience engagement and understanding by providing expert insights into the themes, context, and background of the plays. These discussions, led by scholars, theater professionals, or cultural experts, offer a chance to explore the cultural, historical, and social significance of the works being performed.
For productions such as August Wilson’s King Hedley II (May 2023) and Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye (April 2022), Washington’s expertise has helped enrich these conversations, offering attendees a deeper understanding of the powerful themes these plays tackle, including race, identity, and societal challenges. Her contributions to these scholarly chats have fostered critical dialogue and enhanced the theatergoing experience for the Colorado Springs community. By guiding these thoughtful conversations, Durthy has helped expand the impact of Theatreworks' productions beyond the stage, allowing audiences to connect with the plays on a more profound intellectual and emotional level.
Cliff Notes (Literary Study Guides)
Dive into the world of literature with expertly crafted study guides designed to enhance your understanding of classic works. Explore Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man (IDG Books Worldwide, 2001), Harriet Jacobs’s Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl (IDG Books Worldwide, 2000), Ernest Gaines’s A Lesson Before Dying (Cliffs Notes, 1999), and Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon (Cliffs Notes, 1999). Available on NOOK and Kindle, these guides provide in-depth analysis of themes, characters, and narratives, making them an invaluable resource for students, educators, and literary enthusiasts alike.
Highlighted Profiles
