Document Type
Dissertation
Degree
Doctor of Education
Major
Education, Educational Leadership & Policy Studies
Date of Defense
10-31-2019
Graduate Advisor
Dr. Matthew Davis
Committee
Dr. Thomasina Hassler
Dr. Timothy Makubuya
Dr. Carl Hoagland
Abstract
Using sociocultural theoretical approach, intersectionality of race, Critical Race Theory, and Bakhtin’s authoritative and persuasive discourse as a theoretical framework, this study explores the various diversities that I encountered as a Black African working and living in America. The diversity that I, like many other Black African immigrants in America, suffer results from culture shock due to lack of culture capital to comprehend and make sense of my surroundings. The lack of culture capital left me exposed to me some degrees of ethnic profiling, isolation and loneliness, and grieving due to loss of family and things that mattered the most to me. Work and residence spaces were a reminder of how we are all a sum total of our experiences somewhat influenced by the dominant culture. Sociocultural mismatches were so overbearing that they informed my perceptions and actions towards the American fabric of life, dominant or not. My experiences as an African Black educator working in one of the largest Midwest urban schools and community reaffirmed some negative beliefs of Africa and Black Africans in diaspora. The study speaks to the courage and resilience of Black African migrants as they seek to engage with others in America. Considering that Black spaces in America and around the world are not necessarily free spaces, as Black Africans, we are never at home anywhere. Therefore, often there is need for us to prove ourselves to others for respect and acceptance. The spaces we migrate to are completely controlled by white supremacists; Black African infrastructures and sociocultural institutions seem to be for amusement for privileged cultures. As a result, we are rarely considered for inclusion into the world cultural phenomenon. Therefore, our being as Black African only flourishes within ourselves and that’s why our voices are often ignored or silenced. We are treated better when we are seen and not heard because we are for amusement.
Recommended Citation
Malumbila, Valentine, "A Black African Teacher’s Experiences in America: Examining the Lived Experiences of a Black African Teacher Working in a Midwestern Public School" (2019). Dissertations. 904.
https://irl.umsl.edu/dissertation/904