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Perceptions of Power and Faith among Black Women Faculty: Re-thinking Institutional Diversity

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Abstract

In this article I report on the perceptions and attitudes of Christian Black women faculty members in regards to religious difference at both historically Black colleges and universities [HBCUs] and predominantly White institutions [PWIs]. By taking a focused look at uncomplicated Christian privilege at HBCUs, the study asked what conditions are in place at HBCUs that offer these women an uncommon space of authenticity, while simultaneously supporting a privilege system that could potentially silence different religiously-identified students. I address implications in regards to diversity at HBCUs.

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Notes

  1. In light of the vast differences between HBCUs (Brown, 2002; Gasman et al., 2007), this study is specifically concerned with those public HBCUs that remain predominantly Black or continue to possess the “traditional tone, tenor, and feel of an HBCU” (Brown, 2002, p. 270). These would be the most likely to retain those characteristics that provide solace for the women under study, as well as potentially the most susceptible to uncomplicated Christian privilege. These HBCUs are also often the institutions targeted for increased diversification.

  2. Lincoln and Mamiya’s (1990) operational definition of the Black Church includes the seven independent, historically Black-led denominations (African Methodist Episcopal Church, African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, National Baptist Convention U.S.A Incorporated, National Baptist Convention of America Unincorporated, Progressive National Baptist Convention, Church of God in Christ). These authors also note that most predominantly Black Christian congregations are colloquially referred to as part of the Black Church.

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  1. Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, University of Oklahoma, 820 Van Vleet Oval, 204 Collings Hall, Norman, OK, 73019, USA

    Kirsten T. Edwards

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Correspondence to Kirsten T. Edwards.

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Edwards, K.T. Perceptions of Power and Faith among Black Women Faculty: Re-thinking Institutional Diversity. Innov High Educ 40, 263–278 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10755-014-9312-5

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