Not Like Us—Black Women Scholars, Strategic Flourishing, and Breaking Free from the Burden of Institutional Transformation

This paper presents a critical dialogue between Black women scholars that examines how they navigate and resist institutional expectations while creating new pathways for survival and flourishing in academia. Drawing from in-depth conversations with Drs. Brittany Friedman and Kris Marsh, we explore how Black women scholars are actively rejecting the false burden of institutional transformation while developing innovative strategies for personal and collective well-being. The dialogue reveals several interconnected themes: the reframing of rest and self-care as forms of resistance, the creation of support networks that extend beyond institutional boundaries, and the importance of embracing multi-dimensional identities that transcend academic roles. Particularly significant is the emergence of innovative forms of activism that prioritize Black women’s right to “exist, have dreams, have love, joy, and passions” rather than sacrificing personal well-being for institutional change. Through their candid exchanges about mental health, mentorship, and mutual protection, the scholars demonstrate how Black women in academia are creating alternative models of intellectual engagement that honor their full humanity while advancing collective liberation. This work contributes to broader conversations about racial justice in higher education by documenting concrete strategies for survival and resistance while challenging traditional narratives about institutional transformation.