[2][3] Wood is an American social scientist, author,[4][5] and previously served as the first Black distinguished Professor at San Diego State University.

[12][13][14] Along with Frank Harris III, Wood is credited with coining the term "Racelighting" to refer to what occurs when gaslighting is racial.

[15][16][17] They define racelighting as "an act of psychological manipulation where people of color receive racial messages that distort their realities and lead them to second-guess themselves.

[15][20] Wood has been a vocal critic of the concept of Growth Mindset, a psychological theory asserting that students learn best when they perceive intelligence as an outgrowth of hard work, resilience, and effort.

[24] This bill was authored by Assembly member Kevin McCarty and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 22, 2022.

Each session included commentary from Wood and featured guest speakers such as Shaun R. Harper, Ilyasah Shabazz, Patrisse Cullors, Jerlando F. L. Jackson, S. Lee Merritt, and Frank Harris III.

[34] Wood indicated that the course was offered as a response to the shooting of Alfred Olango by police officers in El Cajon, California, near San Diego.