Lynette A. Shaw
Introduction
My independent project focused on the sociological intricacies as well as the spatial existence of “Black” sisterhood on the American college campus. With a substantial amount of research about the causes and development of this phenomenon, I was able to research how and why sisterhoods and spaces, (such as Black Greek Letter Organizations) for Black women develop on the college campus. Many sources point to the importance of the intersectionality between Blackness and being a woman, and how the weight of those two identities intermingle and serve as a precursor to Black sisterhood. I chose this topic because I have always been curious about how and why Black sisterhood exists, and I have also always been skeptical about the pretenses under which it has been said to exist. As a Black college student, I am a part of multiple Black spaces for women and sisterhoods, and I have always enjoyed observing the group dynamics that occur, as well as researching the history of how these clubs and organizations came to be.
The thesis of my independent research project consisted of aiming to highlight the spatial causes and catalysts for the concept of Black “sisterhood” to occur on a college campus, as well as dissect the “sense of belonging” sisterhood provides for Black women on the college campus. I also aimed to examine sisterhood through the lens of Black spaces (Black Greek Letter Organizations for example).
Executive Summary
Key Takeaways
The key takeaways from this independent project consisted of understanding that Black sisterhood on the college campus can look like a multitude things. Realizing that Black women are not monolithic allows one to understand that Black sisterhood doesn’t have to occur simply from shared trauma, but that it exists for multiple reasons and in multiple different ways. Whether a Predominantly White Institution or a Historically Black College, Black sisterhood always seems to arise and serve as not only a safe space for Black women, but an environment of encouragement and academic challenge and excellence. This independent project aimed to emphasize the spatial and racial significance of Black sisterhood on the American college campus.
Significance
The significance of this independent project was to provide myself and my classmates with a sociological understanding of not only reason why Black sisterhood forms on the American college campus, but also the way it positively serves Black women. I also wanted to provide an understanding of Black sisterhood through a racial and spatial lens. Being that my classmates and I attend Agnes Scott College, which is a historically Women’s college, it was interesting to see the ways the research about Black sisterhood at Predominantly White Institutions actually plays out right in front of us. I hope that my independent project gives others spatial insight into this topic, and opens their eyes to the racialized spaces that are all around them.
My Presentation:
Bibliography
Conclusion
In conclusion, I learned a lot about the origins of Black sisterhood on the college campus. I also got some insight about the significance of Black sisterhood, and how it can look different from campus to campus. Initially, I had no idea how complex Black sisterhood (in college) was. I cannot wait to further research this topic, as there is so much that can be learned from it. In terms of professional skills I demonstrated during this project, I used SOFT skills by researching Black sisterhood and thinking critically about how it is a multidimensional subject rather than a monolithic idea. I used Professionalism/Work ethic by keeping up with the rigorous pace of the class and making sure I made deadlines. I also had to use Oral/Written Communication Skills, as I presented in front of part of my class, and I communicated the research I did on my topic.
Pledge
I pledge that I have neither given nor received any unauthorized aid on this assignment- Lynette Shaw.
