Is it because I’m Black? A Black female research experience

This article examines what it means to be a Black female researcher in contemporary Britain. Drawing on Black feminist theory and critical race theory (CRT), this article seeks to highlight some of the experiences and challenges that Black female researchers face when undertaking research, particularly research that has diversity, equality or ‘race’ as key foci. Such experiences often remain silent, yet they are integral to how Black researchers conduct and experience research. The article adopts a reflexive approach in uncovering these hidden realities. It explores a small number of racist experiences encountered in English schools and other educational establishments. The article examines how these various experiences are situated, internalised and negotiated as part of a Black researcher’s everyday practice. In drawing attention to Black researcher (in)visibility, the discussion also reveals why some White staff sometimes find it difficult to acknowledge racist experiences endured by Black colleagues.