Title

By Us, for Us: The impact of a professional counterspace on African American Women in student affairs

Abstract

This study investigated outcomes associated with consistently participating in a professional counterspace developed by and for African American women higher education administrators. Data were obtained from semi-structured interviews with seven African American women student affairs professionals employed at predominantly White institutions, who consistently attended the African American Women's Summit (AAWS) between 2006-2011. Participants noted the Summit's impact on their physical, spiritual and interpersonal wellness; opportunities created by the AAWS for mentoring and networking; and the encouragement they received to advance their careers through professional development. Included is a discussion of the concept of professional counterspaces situated in Black feminist thought and critical race theory, which are the theoretical frameworks that grounded this inquiry. Implications for practice, theory, and further research are also presented.

Department(s)

Counseling, Leadership, and Special Education

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://doi.org/10.7709/jnegroeducation.88.2.0159

Keywords

African American women, Black feminist thought, Higher education, Professional counterspaces, Student affairs

Publication Date

1-1-2019

Journal Title

Journal of Negro Education

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS