Not by Magic: Perspectives on Creating and Facilitating Outreach Programs for Black Girls and Women

Abstract

Affinity programs have long supported the development, healing, and resilience of Black girls and women in educational contexts. Drawing on a conceptual framework of intersectionality and program planning, this descriptive qualitative study highlights the perspectives of six program leaders who manage support outreach programs designed to support Black girls and women. These findings provide greater understanding of the needs and challenges associated with developing programmatic outreach for Black women and girls by providing detailed descriptions about the experiences of leaders who develop and manage outreach programs designed to improve the social, academic, and health development of Black women and girls. Additionally, the contextual forces that influence the sustainability of programs designed to further the betterment of Black women and girls is discussed. Implications for both the researching and implementing programs designed to support Black women and girls is also provided.