The Balance of Two Worlds: A Study of the Perceptions of African American Female Principals and Leadership

This qualitative study focused on the power of story and narrative through examining the perceptions of African American female principals who are passionate about social justice leadership and making a real difference in the lives of students. The study also shared the perceptions of African American female principals regarding the challenges they faced attempting to constantly balance the collision of personal responsibilities with professional aspirations. Another focal point for this study was to make visible the unique leadership perspectives that these African American female principals possess. Using researchers as instruments (Lincoln & Guba, 1985), the author brought the perspective, passion, and sometime pain of her own experiences to this research in hearing the stories of the principals she interviewed. Findings in the study included the following themes: 1) challenges of African American female principals including issues of invisibility and identity; 2) cultural dissonance in several forms experienced by these principals, and 3) efforts by these principals in leading socially just schools. Key words: mentoring, social justice, African-American female principals, qualitativ