Sociopolitical Identity Development as a Pathway to Success

By Dina C. Skeffrey

Abstract

Although they have poked a few holes in the “concrete ceiling” that represents the barrier to Black women’s entrance into influential jobs, Black women are still underrepresented in leadership roles in society. This commentary, which is offered through the lens of a Black woman in business leadership and higher education investigates ways to improve the educational achievement of young Black women, and to put them on a pathway to a lifetime of success in their post-college trajectory. Research asserts that resources are available to support the success of Black women and enable them to achieve influential roles in which they excel. This journey begins with school-age girls, specifically with their educational trajectory, which should provide teaching that models and exemplifies cultural acceptance. Exposing the inequality Black females experience in the school system enables opportunities for discussion and innovative techniques to emerge. However, this requires first acknowledging and celebrating Black girls as producers of knowledge in a socially stratified education system.

Keywords: Black women, diversity, communities of learning, culturally responsive pedagogy, sociopolitical identity