University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

“Here I come with all my Black girl magic”: Black women and girls’ experiences in predominantly white independent private schools

Owens, Devean R.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/107877

Description

Title
“Here I come with all my Black girl magic”: Black women and girls’ experiences in predominantly white independent private schools
Author(s)
Owens, Devean R.
Issue Date
2020-04-14
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Welton, Anjalé
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Welton, Anjalé
Committee Member(s)
  • Brown, Ruth N
  • Dixson, Adrienne
  • Neville, Helen
Department of Study
Educ Policy, Orgzn & Leadrshp
Discipline
Educ Policy, Orgzn & Leadrshp
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
  • Black women
  • Black girls
  • independent schools
  • Black girl friendships
  • Black women friendships, Black feminism, Critical Race Theory
Abstract
Within independent private schools specifically, Black women and girls endure feelings of rejection, isolation, and inadequacy all whilst trying to maintain their academic or career success and a positive self-perception. Through the lenses of Black Feminist Thought and Critical Race Theory, this dissertation presents Black women and girls’ true experiences in PWIS which defy dominant deficit beliefs. Participants detailed the racism, erasure, and trauma they endured and the detrimental effects these experiences caused in their lives. They also expressed the importance and value of their relationships with one another. These relationships provided them with the affirmation and confidence they needed to believe in and stand up for themselves. Black women and girls engage in various resistance strategies through living authentically, challenging dominant norms, and advocating for themselves and others in the school community.
Graduation Semester
2020-05
Type of Resource
Thesis
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/107877
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2020 Devean Owens

Owning Collections

Graduate Dissertations and Theses at Illinois PRIMARY
Graduate Theses and Dissertations at Illinois
Dissertations and Theses - Education
Dissertations and Theses from the College of Education