IN THEIR OWN WORDS AND PICTURES - A PHOTOVOICE STUDY OF BLACK FATHERS IN THE FAMILY AND SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP

The conventional discourse surrounding Black fatherhood in educational contexts is rife with oversimplification and negative stereotyping, often painting a monolithic picture of absenteeism and inadequacy. This Dissertation of practice confronts and challenges the prevailing deficit narrative, revealing the nuanced and affirmative roles Black fathers play within the family-school partnership. Through a critical lens, this study unearths the underexplored layers of Black paternal involvement, revealing a rich reflection of engagement and advocacy that defies the archaic and biased representations perpetuated by both mainstream media and scholarly inquiry.Rooted in the qualitative methodologies of photovoice and affinity-based focus groups, this work delves into the lived experiences of Black fathers, amplifying their voices and visual narratives to illuminate their essential presence in their children's educational landscapes. It interrogates the intersectionality of race and gender, presenting an analysis of how Black fathers not only participate in but also enrich their children's learning environments. The findings illustrate the profound ways in which these men, despite navigating a society steeped in anti-Black racism and entrenched stereotypes, constructively shape the educational trajectories of their children. This investigation further envisions the reciprocal dynamics between Black fathers and educational institutions, probing the implications for schools and educators in fostering inclusive and responsive partnerships. It advocates for a paradigm shift in which Black paternal involvement is recognized not as an ancillary support, but instead, as a cornerstone of the familial and educational alliance. Ultimately, this dissertation suggests a transformative framework for understanding and engaging Black fathers, advocating for policies and practices that honor their role, dismantle isolation, and celebrate their contributions as pivotal to the academic and holistic success of their children.