In the last decade there has been a surge in research centered on Black girls’ schooling experiences. Few studies, however, employ a culturally relevant framework to unpack the distinct realities Black girls encounter based on the intersection of race and gender. In this interview the tenets of Black Feminist Theory are operationalized to examine the perceptions and experiences of Black girls who attend City High School. Recommendations are offered to school leaders who seek to improve the schooling experiences of Black girls. Terri N. Watson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Leadership and Special Education at The City College of New York. A Harlem native, her research examines the practices of urban school leaders and the impact of school reform initiatives on children and communities of color. Dr. Watson is currently engaged in a grant-funded longitudinal study of the leadership practices in a large predominately Black and Latino high school. Through this research-practice partnership, she works closely with the school’s leadership team to strengthen parent engagement and school-community relations in ways that support student success.

Image courtesy of interviewee