Thesis advisor: Lillie R. Albert / The purpose of this study was to identify and analyze the constructions of Black American masculinity in four commonly taught texts in the high school English curriculum: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Twain, 1884), Their Eyes Were Watching God (Hurston, 1937), A Raisin in the Sun (Hansberry, 1959), and To Kill a Mockingbird (Lee, 1960). For this qualitative study design, critical content analysis, a theoretical approach that brings a critical lens to an analysis of a text or group of texts to explore the potential underlying messages within those texts, was deemed most useful. A modified version of Curry’s (2017) Black masculinity theory was applied to deconstruct representations of Black American masculinity and to examine whether such images are stereotypical to the extent that they reflect, destabilize, and reinforce gender-biased and racist depictions of Black American males. Employing Black masculinity theory emphasized the complexity of the Black male characters and sought to understand the marginalization of Black males as a function of their race and sex. Utilizing critical content analysis and Black masculinity theory to analyze the constructions of Black American masculinity in commonly taught texts revealed major and minor generative themes. A significant finding of this study was that several of the Black American male characters were flat figures and were not portrayed as complex, self-reflective beings. Rather, the characters under examination were constructed to fulfill the expectations and fears of those around them. In general, all of the males under examination were portrayed to reflect the deleterious global images of the Black American male. A second important finding was that for many of the Black male characters, their maleness exacerbated and nuanced the racism they faced. A valuable conclusion in light of these findings indicated that the portrayals of the Black American male characters are negatively stereotyped based on their gender and race. The findings of this study have a number of important implications for future practice. One implication is that being aware of the negative portrayals of Black American males in texts may assist practitioners and other stakeholders to diversify the types of texts taught by scrutinizing the characters portrayed in texts and to facilitate robust, complex in-class discussions about racially minoritized characters, especially Black American males. Another implication of this work is that it is important that educators engage students in discussions in which racist and gender-biased stereotypes of Black American male characters' masculinity are not sustained. A final implication of this study is that secondary school English teachers must begin to apply theories of masculinity to the study of texts. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2021. / Submitted to: Boston College. Lynch School of Education. / Discipline: Teacher Education, Special Education, Curriculum and Instruction.

Thesis advisor: Maureen E. Kenny / Recent research suggests that eating disorders exist across genders, races and ethnicities (e.g., Smolak & Striegel-Moore, 2001; Striegel-Moore & Smolak, 2000; Talleyrand, 2002, 2006; Taylor, Caldwell, Baser, Faison, & Jackson, 2007; Thompson, 1994, 1996), but most findings and frameworks within the eating disorders literature are based on research with White women who engage in restrictive eating patterns. Given the rapid rise in rates of obesity and related illnesses in the United States — particularly among Black American women (e.g., Hedley et al., 2004), an understanding of overeating that accounts for race-related factors is needed. By exploring the relationship between perceived racism, racial socialization, perceived stress, and overeating patterns among Black American women, the current study sought to develop a model of disordered eating that accounts for the unique contextual, emotional, and behavioral factors in the lives of Black American women. Using a sample of Black American women (N = 201), the results of the data analysis revealed that perceived racism was related to overeating by way of perceived stress. This finding supports theories that race–related factors underlie the development of eating disorder symptoms (e.g., Harris & Kuba, 1997) and that perceived racism may be a significant etiological factor in the development of eating disturbances among Black American women (Mastria, 2002; Root, 1990; Smolak & Striegel-Moore, 2001; Thompson, 1994, 1996; Talleyrand, 2006). This finding also adds to the larger body of literature, which links perceived racism to a range of negative psychological, behavioral, and physical outcomes (e.g., Mays et al., 2007). Racial socialization was not found to have a significant moderating effect in the relationship between perceived racism and overeating, but was unexpectedly found to be related to disinhibition around food. Although the explanation for this finding is unclear, it is consistent with some evidence that that identification with Black American culture may promote greater levels of comfort regarding food (Talleyrand, 2006; Villarosa, 1994). / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2011. / Submitted to: Boston College. Lynch School of Education. / Discipline: Counseling, Developmental, and Educational Psychology.

Sankofa, a proverb from the Akan language of Ghana, is one attribute of Ghanaian culture that lives on in Black America. Sankofa, symbolically depicted as a bird reaching backwards to scoop an egg, translates into English as "reach back and get it." As an autobiographical artist, I continue to "reach back" into black history. I research the biographies and autobiographies of other Black Americans--the stories that chronicle the lives of those who came before me. I research urban cultures and contemporary expressions of identity and courage. Through the creation of installation and performance art, I have learned to incorporate this research into my own expressions my visions of hope, discontent, healing and beauty.

Children's literature is crucial in shaping the way young children see and think about themselves in the eyes of society. Although diversity is increasing, a need remains for books that feature Black children as well as accurate portrayals of their lifestyles. According to the Cooperation Children's Book Center (2020), only 400 books out of 3,299 are about Black Americans, while a little over half of that number are actually written by Black authors. Why should children of color have to suffice with reading books that have no connection to their real-world life? Black children should have access to and enjoy quality, award winning books that accurately represent their everyday lifestyles and not merely retell stories from the past. To address these concerns, this thesis examined 16 of the Coretta Scott King (CSK) Award and Honor picturebooks, awarded in 2013-2020, to explore the contents in terms of themes to support young Black American children on their journey of finding meaning and joy in reading. Within the analysis, a total of 16 picturebooks showed that 8 featured Black Americans in struggling contexts highlighting historical events, while 8 focused on the everyday lives and culture of Black Americans. Delving deeper, two trends, artistic expression and self-confidence, were identified. Within the eight books Within the books focusing on everyday Black culture, four themes were agreed upon: 1) Navigating real societal problems within the Black community, 2) Realizing empowerment within ourselves, 3) Valuing relationships with others, and 4) Finding value in everyday activities.

Black Americans are one of the largest minority groups in the United States and were estimated to be 35 million (13%) by the 2000 U.S. Census. In that same year, the American Cancer Society reported that Black Americans are at higher risk of dying from the nations leading causes of death, such as cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular disease, cancer, accidents, and diabetes. Whereas the five leading causes of death among Black American women include cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, accidents, and kidney-related diseases as reported by the American Heart Association in 2002. Black American women, in general, are less likely to engage in health promoting activities, such as physical activity and proper dietary intake. Black American women consume diets that are high in fat and in 1998, only 15.2% of Black American women reported engaging in regular, moderate exercise. The lack of physical activity and poor nutrition has also been correlated with the occurrence of overweight and obesity among Black American women. The 1999-2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) showed that 49.7% of Black American women are obese. The purpose of this study is to assess the perceptions of Black American women regarding their health and nutrition practices, concerns, and solutions. Qualitative (focus groups and key informant interviews) and quantitative (participatory activities) research data were collected from Black American women within the faith community of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Five focus group sessions were conducted with a total of 25 Black American church women. The participants answered focus group questions and engaged in visual participatory activities to rank top nutrition and health concerns and barriers. Key informant interviews were conducted with health professionals within the faith community. Overweight/obesity, diabetes, heart disease/stroke, high blood pressure were predominate health themes raised in the focus group sessions. Also, the women ranked overweight /obesity, diabetes, heart disease/stroke, and high blood pressure as their top health concerns. The key informant interview also confirmed that overweight/obesity, diabetes, and hypertension (high blood pressure) were the main health concerns among Black American women. The predominate nutrition themes were the reluctance in giving up traditional foods, not eating enough of the right foods, and the time of day when they ate. The top nutrition concerns ranked by the women were not drinking enough water, not eating enough fruit and vegetables, and eating too many sugars. Major barriers raised by the participants were not having enough time, conflicting schedules, and familial commitments prohibited proper nutrition and health activities. The key informants agreed that a major barrier for Black American women was not prioritizing their health and nutrition practices. The preferred learning method by the women was workshops or programs that were sponsored by the community using the church as a venue. Data obtained from this study will be used to develop useful nutrition education strategies to improve the dietary habits and overall status among women in this segment of the population. / Master of Science

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There is a low representation of Black American women (BAW) in health care senior leadership. With the high level of health problems found among the Black community, diversifying the executive leadership with BAW may be instrumental in increasing provider trust and reducing discriminatory action. Using critical race theory as the conceptual framework, this study examined the experiences, perceptions, and influential or deterrent factors inhibiting advancement of BAW in the health care field. Inquiry centered on factors related to lack of advancement, experiences at different stages of career progression, and strategies impacting career advancement. A qualitative research design using a transcendental phenomenological approach was the chosen method. Seven BAW who met the criteria for inclusion were selected by purposive sampling. Data were collected from semi-structured, audio-recorded, interviews using a newly created protocol. Data analysis included open coding; line-by-line data review; and the use of NVivo to search for frequencies of themes, coding, and text queries. Emergent themes were identified that provided comprehensive descriptions of the participants' experiences. According to study findings, perceived and experienced racial issues were apparent in hiring and work relations. Disparate practices were evident through a lack of inclusion in succession planning, being overlooked despite qualifications, and stereotyping. These findings may stimulate social change by helping those BAW aspiring for senior healthcare leadership to be more successful and by improving health outcomes for BAW through enhanced trust.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 1999. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 188-202). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 1999. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 188-202). Also available on the Internet.