Thick Skin: The Narratives of Spiritual Black Women in Kinesiology Doctoral Programs

• In Event: Research on Higher Education PETE Faculty

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to explore the meaning-making ascribed to the experiences of 10 spiritual Black women who, at the time of this study, were doctoral students in or recent graduates of kinesiology doctoral programs at research-intensive predominantly white institutions of higher education (PWI-HE) in the United States. The research design was situated in the qualitative paradigm using a narrative inquiry arts-based approach and autoethnography, through the lens of the womanist theology theoretical framework. Artworks created in Canva, an online artificial intelligence (AI) program were to contextualize participant experiences. Four major themes emerged. The findings shed light on the unique challenges faced by these Black women, as well as their rewards.

Authors

• Leslie Dillon, The Ohio State University

• Samuel R. Hodge, The Ohio State University