From PWI to HBCU

Abstract

Using critical race theory and Freire's theoretical framework of oppression as a guide, this chapter discusses institutionalized oppression through the lens of the chapter's author. She provides a collection of lived experiences in the form of short narratives. These narratives begin with the author's experiences as a Black student at predominantly White institutions (PWIs). The author describes many firsts—the first time she was referred to by a White male classmate as a beneficiary of Affirmative Action as the reason for admission into college and not by her merit, experienced low expectations of her academic ability, was called the N-word, and her first encounter with racial profiling. She then details personal accounts of navigating academia as a Black female faculty member in predominantly White institutions (PWIs), Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), as well as other organizations. Freire's theoretical framework on oppression guides her reflection and discussion of these Black-on-Black encounters. She ends the chapter with a discussion of actions taken.