Cheryl Ann Nelson

Professor of English at Community College of Philadelphia

Cheryl Ann Nelson (ABD) has been a professor of English for 30-years at Community College of Philadelphia, PA. She has also taught composition and literature courses at various other learning institutions in the tri-state area, including Jefferson University (aka Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science/ Philadelphia University), Lincoln University, Harcum College, and District 1199C Training and Upgrading Fund. Her academic interests in African American history and literatures, especially Zora Neale Hurston and her role in the Harlem Renaissance, inspired research into West African indigenous religions. She studied under Gro Mambo Angela Novanyon Idizol at Le Peristyle Haitian Sanctuary in Philadelphia, investigating the link between Zora Neale Hurston and Vodun. This experience resulted in presentations of papers on the subject at College Language Association (CLA) conferences and a conference for the 100th anniversary of Hurston’s work with the late Dr. Cheryl Ann Wall in Cleveland, Ohio. Currently, Professor Nelson is completing her dissertation in Reading and Literacy Leadership at Walden University.