Term of Award
Spring 2025
Degree Name
Doctor of Education in Curriculum Studies (Ed.D.)
Document Type and Release Option
Dissertation (open access)
Copyright Statement / License for Reuse
Digital Commons@Georgia Southern License
Department
College of Education
Committee Chair
Peggy Shannon-Baker
Committee Member 1
Ming Fang He
Committee Member 2
Meca Williams-Johnson
Committee Member 3
Lisa Grillo
Abstract
This study, grounded in Black Feminist Thought and using Black Feminist Narrative Inquiry, explores the successes and challenges of five Black women principals in Georgia public schools. Inspired by the legacy of Black women in leadership, the researcher examined how race, gender, and class shape their experiences. Stories were collected through two focus group interviews, one-on-one interviews, and reviews of resumes and educational philosophy statements to center their voices.
Black Feminist Thought served as the theoretical lens to reveal how intersecting identities and systemic inequalities impact leadership. Black Feminist Narrative Inquiry highlighted their lived experiences, with findings presented as individual stories followed by thematic analysis. Ten key meanings emerged, including the significance of prayer, cultural connection, and mentorship in navigating systemic biases. Other themes included work-life balance, ethical care, and community support rooted in cultural values.
The study emphasizes the resilience, solidarity, and transformative leadership these principals embody, despite challenges to their authority due to racism and sexism. Their mentorship is framed as resistance and empowerment, while their ability to build supportive school communities is central to their success.
Ultimately, this study contributes to literature on Black women in educational leadership by showing how intersecting identities shape their leadership and responses to systemic challenges. It also enriches curriculum studies through storytelling to explore the lived experiences of Black women principals as it relates to the impact of race, gender and class.
Recommended Citation
Darrisaw, Tomekia S., "Understanding the Successes and Challenges of Black Women Principals: A Black Feminist Narrative Inquiry Study" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2924.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/etd/2924
Research Data and Supplementary Material
No
Included in
Elementary and Middle and Secondary Education Administration Commons, Other Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Commons
