El Cenote + Engaged Pedagogy: A Coalition Self-Study

• In Event: Forging Coalitions of Empowerment: Self-Studies Fostering Radical Literacies, Critical Consciousness, and Dialogic Friendships

Abstract

Situated at the intersection of race, ethnicity, language, and gender studies, the authors employ transnational feminist (Alexander & Mohanty, 2013) duoethnography (Norris & Sawyer, 2012) to exemplify a sisterhood forged through critical discussions. As early-career teacher educators, one a Black-queer femme and one a transnational Latina, our collaboration counters divisions that empower hegemony, maintains status quo, and ultimately keep teachers of color separated. We share our journey to contest dominant ideologies that separate our communities, introducing transformative practices that can assist educators of color at the frontline of systemic inequities. Research implications suggest intellectual collaborations and emotional support forge a coalition of empowerment. We provide an approach of building coalitions of solidarity and resilience towards transformation in academia.

Authors

• Lindsey Allen, University of Maryland

• Astrid Sierra, Metropolitan State University of Denver