We are not the same: the experiences of Black women multicultural directors at predominantly white institutions
Date
2021
Authors
Love, Rashida N., author
Carlson, Laurie, advisor
Anderson, Sharon, committee member
Gonzalez-Voller, Jessica, committee member
Bimper, Albert, Jr., committee member
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Abstract
Although Black Women make up the largest group of racially minoritized administrators in the field of higher education (West, 2020), and are overwhelmingly employed in diversity related mid-level positions (i.e., Multicultural Directors), we know very little about their personal experiences in these roles. Unlike other colleagues who may be able to separate their work lives from their personal lives, Black Women Multicultural Directors exist in the inescapable position of having an everyday experience of the professional being personal. This qualitative study used Black Feminist Thought and Sista Circle Methodology (SCM) to explore and illuminate the lived experiences of Black Women Multicultural Directors at Predominately White Institutions (PWIs). Research themes were surmised under three theoretical constructs: (1) The Intersection of Race, Gender, and Role, (2) To Be a Black Woman Multicultural Director, and (3), The Secrets Behind Black Girl Magic that underscored four major implications:(1) Black Women Multicultural Directors experience a nuanced form of isolation in their roles, (2) Black Women Multicultural Directors who work at PWIs are doing work above and beyond their job descriptions in climates that continue to be oppressive, (3) Black Women did not feel comfortable bringing their "authentic selves" to the workplace, and (4) Black Women were not afraid to leave their institutions when departure was necessitated. The implications of this study highlight the need for PWIs to set Black Women Multicultural Directors up for success at PWIs by: providing them adequate resources and institutional support, being clear in their definition and expectation of Multicultural Directors, and working to change the campus climate to one that acknowledges DEI as the work of the campus, not just the Multicultural Office. To quote one of my sista colleagues who participated in the study, "I hope that by sharing our stories some aspiring Black Woman Multicultural Director can feel comfortable in their own truth and powerful in the role from the very beginning".
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Subject
Black women
multicultural services
multicultural directors
Black