Black Church/School Partnerships: The Role of Fictive Kin Relationships

Abstract

This qualitative case study sought to gain a better understanding of the role of fictive kin relationships in a successful, long standing partnership between one Black Church and a high school in a high poverty, urban district in the Midwest. Four themes emerged: commitment, hope, strength, and equality. This study offers important insight into autonomy support, competence support, and relational support, key tenets of Self-Determination Theory (SDT), in fictive kin relationships within this school/community partnership. Findings support the importance of fictive kin relationships that exist within many African American communities and align with long-held traditions within the Black community. These finding build upon cultural capital embedded in African American communities by explaining how fictive kin relationships are developed within partnership efforts.