Black School Leaders in Predominantly White School Districts: Striving for Social Justice

• In Event: Leaders of Color: Understanding the Truth in the Journey and Experiences

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a study of Black school leaders in predominantly White school districts. The majority of the literature about Black school principals focuses on urban contexts in predominantly Black school districts. Twelve (12) Black school leaders participated in in-depth interviews about their experiences. Three main themes emerged from the analysis of the narrative data. The three themes were: dealing with everyday racism/racial microaggressions, lack of resources, and promoting social justice leadership. The findings indicate that Black school leaders in predominantly White school districts attempted to advance the cause of social justice and equity in their schools. They reported that they were provided with few resources to effect those social justice changes.

Authors

• Andrew B. Campbell, University of Toronto
  Presenting Author

• Alana C. Butler, Queen's University - Kingston
  Presenting Author