ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the retention of African American women faculty and graduate students through the lived experiences of one African American woman professor. The author utilizes scholarly personal narrative to illuminate experiences related to being an African American woman inside and outside of the academy. Through personal reflections and letter format, the author presents her narrative of resistance, renewal and persistence in the academy. This work employs Black feminist thought as a theoretical framework to analyze the personal narrative presented and the types of mentoring relationships that can support the success of Black women faculty and students in the academy.
