The Whole Story: A Black Principal’s Experience With Race, Racism, and Racial Trauma

Abstract

Principal Harris, a new Black male principal at Merion High School, has found himself under fire for allegedly promoting critical race theory (CRT). He has received several forms of pushback as he navigates district and state mandates, racial trauma, invisible taxes, and microaggressions. Unfortunately, his best intentions are not good enough. This case is designed to display the various factors Black principals face in schools and districts amid ongoing public health crises (e.g., COVID-19 and racism). I describe the layered role of race, racism, and racial trauma on Principal Harris through his reflections and responses to stakeholders.

Still, I RISE: a framework for transforming experiences of Black women leaders in K- 12 urban education

“…Historically, Black women leaders have endured countless microaggressions, leaving them dehumanized and ostracized in professional settings (Deitch et al, 2003;Watson & Henderson, 2023). Amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and increased police brutality, Black principals face heightened pressures, grappling with systemic racism while navigating it themselves (Clarida, 2023). In response to the growing understanding of their pervasive and harmful effects, the term "microaggressions" is evolving to "subtle acts of exclusion" (SAE) for a more accurate depiction of its impact (Jana & Baran, 2023).…”

“…The research elevates the necessity of radical healing and self-care for Black women leaders, particularly in the context of racial trauma within urban communities. The vulnerable narratives captured in participant experiences underscore the deep-seated mistrust and emotional wounds prevalent in these settings (Akbar, 2017;Clarida, 2023). Minoritized individuals, especially in Black communities, endure multigenerational trauma rooted in centuries of oppression, inequality, and injustice (Hankerson et al, 2022).…”