Black Joy as Praxis: Institutional Transformation at California Hispanic-Serving Institutions

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 3:45 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Researching with African Diasporas in the Latinidad

Abstract

Grounded in Tichavakunda (2022), Black Joy, and García & Natividad (2018), Decolonized Leadership Practices, this mixed-methods study explores how these concepts can inform institutional transformation at California Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). The research includes a survey of 133 HSI leaders and a focus group with Black Student Union members. Quantitative analysis revealed statistically significant racial differences in support for decolonizing leadership. Thematic analysis of open-ended responses revealed themes of Milestones, Empowerment, Community, and History. Student narratives emphasized Cultural Recognition, Collective Belonging, Resistance to Invisibility, and Barriers to Joy. Findings inform a Black Joy Praxis that urges institutions to celebrate without permission, invest in healing, and uplift those historically unseen.

Author

• Tramaine Austin-Dillon, San Francisco State University