Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Education

Major

Educational Practice

Date of Defense

3-23-2024

Graduate Advisor

Thomasina Hassler, Ph.D., Chair

Committee

Thomasina Hassler, Ph.D., Chair

JaNae' Alfred, Ph.D.

Robert Good, Ph.D.

Abstract

ABSTRACT

We live in an America where the higher you elevate in your career as a Black woman, the greater your chances of being subjected to racism, discrimination, isolation, and bullying. We are underrepresented in various elevated roles, but we will not let that stop us. As Black women, we can attest to the experiences that we are subjected to with no question about our mental health. The Black community in America has been subjected to a considerable presence of systemic racism, oppression, and violence - with the objectives of exercising authority and oppressing the Black community, as well as attempting to cast doubt on the veracity of the first-hand experiences and points of view of black folks. Creating space for storytelling may help to minimize Black people's tendency to internalize negative racial experiences, which can lead to feelings of anger, sadness, and/or anxiety. This study aims to share the experiences of us, three Black women who have navigated the journey of personal and professional life in a country that is systematically constructed to assassinate the spirits of Black people. A Critical Race Theory (CRT) framework has been used as a lens through the tenet of storytelling-counter-storytelling. Through our shared lived experiences, we have reflected on and analyzed the impact that spirit assassination has had on each of us. This study utilized a qualitative research method and an autoethnography design, which is a reflective self-examination. We discuss the results of this self-reflection and how, through revisiting and processing our traumas, we will be able to start the healing process.

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