Using Sista Circles to Foster Literacy Practices of Black Girl Competitive Gymnasts' Experiences

• In Event: Go Off Sis: Journeying Through (Re)Searching With Black Girls Through Space and Place

Abstract

Scholars have emphasized the need to invest in Black girl spaces that honor their intersectional experiences (Lewis-Ellison, 2020; Price-Dennis et al., 2017; Smith, 2022). As a Black woman literacy scholar, I employ themed interactive literacy sista circles (Johnson, 2015; Hall, 2020) rooted within Intersectionality Methodology (Crenshaw, 1989; Haynes et al., 2020) and Black Girls Literacies Framework (Muhammad & Haddix, 2016). These circles provide a platform to acknowledge and honor the unique experiences of Black girls and facilitate interactive literacy practices that amplify their distinct perspectives. My scholarship centers on Black girl athletes, particularly competitive gymnasts, using sista circles (Johnson,2015) to explore how literacy practices deeply rooted in history, culture, and love can foster a stronger sense of self-definition among these athletes.

Ogunrinde (2022) highlights that sports can be a contested space for Black girls, who courageously defy dominant notions to express themselves authentically (p. 3). Black women and girls find strength in organizing into literacy collectives known as Black literacy societies, fostering identity development, healing, and celebration (Price-Dennis et al., 2017). Moreover, Black elite and collegiate gymnasts utilize mass media platforms to resist racism and sexism in gymnastics, inspiring increased Black girls' participation. Historically rooted literary practices by Black women and girls provide vital platforms for defining identities, advocating for rights, confronting racism, and promoting personal and societal advancement (McHenry, 2002). These practices empower Black women and girls, fostering growth and positive change within their communities.

I present data taken from sista circles specifically designed for five Black girl competitive gymnasts. The qualitative data was collected over a three-month period, utilizing intersectionality and sista circles as the primary methodology. To answer my research question, "How do Black girl gymnasts utilize diverse literacy practices to explore their intersectional experiences?" The data encompassed a variety of creative expressions, including vision boards, poems, and a choreographed dance routine, all of which were inspired by their reflections on their identities within the world of gymnastics. Through these artistic mediums, the gymnasts were able to explore and convey their unique intersectional experiences, providing valuable insights into their perspectives and journey.

This presentation showcases artwork created within a sista circle-themed representation in gymnastics. Black girl competitive gymnasts were provided a collective space to express themselves, creating multimodal artifacts like vision boards that go beyond their athletic identity. The findings indicate these gymnasts face additional emotional and physical stress. I will discuss how sista circles, rooted in literacy practices, serve as a liberatory outlet, empowering them to navigate challenges and reclaim agency over their identities in the gymnastics world.

Author

• Tamara N. Moten, Wesleyan College