Master of Education in Applied Human Development Graduate Projects

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to gain perspective into the lived experiences of Black female athletes on the axis of marginalized intersecting identities. Based on the framework of Black Feminist Thought, this project explores how Black women face issues of race while simultaneously battling obstacles related to their gender. Research shows that being situated in this unique position makes it difficult for Black female athletes to focus on playing sports compared to their counterparts. Previous literature indicates that Black female athletes who attend predominantly White institutions (PWIs) have different experiences than Black female athletes who attend historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). However, more research is needed to fill in the gap between the experiences of Black female athletes who participate in sports that are predominantly occupied by White athletes. This qualitative project concludes with an excerpt of creative nonfiction in the form a self-narrative. In this piece, I delve into my experiences as a Black female athlete in the sport of figure skating. Through various writing techniques I express the joys, struggles, and triumphs I faced and overcame as a Black female athlete participating in the predominantly White sport of figure skating. Keywords: intersectionality, black feminist thought, self-narrative, Predominantly White institutions (PWIs), historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs)

Advisor

Dr. Ray Schneider, Professor, School of AHD

Second Reader

Dr. Vikki Krane, Professor, School of AHD

Semester

Fall

Year

2023

Degree

M.Ed.

Program

Sport Administration

Download

Share

COinS