Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation
5-2009
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
M.A.
Department
Pan-African Studies
Committee Chair
Rajack-Talley, Theresa
Subject
African American women journalists
Abstract
This thesis analyzes the experiences and challenges Black female journalists encounter in the newsroom. Using oral history interviews and writings from Black female journalists about their experiences, the researcher identifies a unique set of barriers these women faced in assignments and career advancement. Black Feminist theoretical perspectives aide in understanding how the interlocking oppressions of racism, sexism and classism impacted Black female journalists on three distinct levels: personal level, group or community level and institutional level. The findings reveal Black Female journalists' personal experiences with discrimination propelled them into careers in the media. While on the job, many of them took on the added responsibility of educating their colleagues about Black people in an effort to change and enhance mainstream media coverage of Black issues. The study concludes Black female journalists were able to resist and overcome discrimination in story assignments, job promotion and criticism of their physical appearance, in part, by creating support networks.
Recommended Citation
Duke, Amber Genile 1981-, "Black female journalists : experiences of racism, sexism and classism in the newsroom." (2009). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 377.
https://doi.org/10.18297/etd/377
