Centering Blackness and Jegnaship: An Africana Governance Framework to Support Black Women Doctoral Students in Predominantly White Institutions

• In Event: The Sankofa Research Intensive (SRI): A Fugitive Space for Scholars Centering Black Children In Research

Abstract

This conceptual paper proposes an Africana-informed Jegna governance framework to support Black women doctoral students in predominantly White institutions. Centering Blackness and relational governance, the model draws on Africana epistemologies—oral tradition, spiritual grounding, and communal accountability—to reimagine mentorship as a culturally sustaining practice. Using observations from three facilitated workshops, the paper illustrates how this governance approach fosters cultural affirmation, intellectual agency, and emotional safety. This work aligns with the AERA Presidential Session theme by engaging intergenerational wisdom, Black epistemology, and community-based care to disrupt institutional hierarchies and affirm collective scholarly life.

Authors

• Yvette Latunde, University of La Verne

• Courtney Wilkerson, Howard University