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As a Black woman, the intersections of my race and gender are highly salient and contribute significantly to my research interests and my professional aspirations. My experience with qualitative research has been situated in the context of a sacred space for me to convey my words as tools of expression and translations for others. My scholarship stems from Collins's (2000) interpretation of Black women as Agents of Knowledge, which creates an accurate depiction of history and contemporary culture. It is the idea that we should normalize that Black knowledge is not only learned through the traditional academic setting but can also come from our lived experiences as Black women. By putting us in the mindset of just the thought, we, as Black women, are challenging existing narratives to amplify our contributions to society. Further to define my experience with qualitative research is with Rosyter's introduction to “Traces of a Stream” and the analogy of “flowing past the barriers, reconstituting themselves, and becoming noticeable” (p. 4). It is almost a flowing current of a stream that vividly captures Black women navigating through diverse landscapes, leaving behind imprints and traces of their personal journey. I deeply resonate with this concept and feel profound gratitude for the Black women who have paved the way for me in the field of education.
The author’s depiction of this title resonated with her as she sees the stream as a symbol of Black women's experiences, whether based on historical or social experiences. The traces are represented as a lasting impact of their practices amongst society, for example, higher education practices. Royster mentions how Black women have contributed to the constant evolution of social change and empowerment influenced by their environment. Highlighting the concept of how Black women’s experiences with reading and writing have contributed to broader movements for civil rights and social justice in the United States context. The true impact of Black women’s literacy practices literally became problematic and uproar for social change over their intelligence.
Qualitative research allows me to take a step back with the intention of cultivating holistic and social strategies and practices, which leads me to engage in reflexivity exercises. Collins deciding to engage in a non-mainstream area of theory, epistemology, etc., shows confidence in the ability to see change happening and shake up the core of Western perspectives. Royster says, “...Because of the marginality of what I do, I have to create proactive spaces rather than reactive spaces from which to speak and interrupt” (p.252). That says quite a bit in terms of not making herself fit the existing spaces that are there as the author and researcher. Collins is literally carving out that space for something new and refreshing for scholars to use. It has been time for the world to look at Black women as agents of change and not victims of oppression and dominance.