Controlling images, comments, and online communities: A critical discourse analysis of conversations about Black Women HBCU presidents

Abstract

Black women in American society have experienced subjugation to a myriad of narratives created to define them. These narratives and discourses are also present within the higher education sector. However, rarely discussed is the interpretation and public discussion of these experiences and narratives of Black women presidents. This research paper, using a Black Feminist Theory (BFT) lens (Collins, 2002) and critical discourse analysis (CDA), aims to explore public discussion through discourse in publicly accessible comment sections of articles and news reports about Black women HBCU leaders. As we learn more about how Black women HBCU presidents navigate public critique while standing at the intersections of race and gender, this paper will discuss how these findings have implications for Black women leaders in higher education generally and in the HBCU sector specifically.