Othermothering: At-Risk Black Males In A Primary S.E.A.S. Milieu

Author

• Kathryn Brown, Prairie View A&M University

Date of Award

8-2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Discipline

Education Leadership

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore othermothering efforts and capture life experiences and interactions of Black female teachers with at-risk Black male students in a K–12 classroom setting and throughout their lives. Academic othermothering informs understanding of how Black women assume a politicized ethic of care and accountability toward Black students as if they were their own family. It is a type of service that Black women faculty give to help students through the academic journey.

The influence of othermothering as support, survival, and legacy building is irrefutable. Structured interviews were conducted with four Black educators, three females, one male, to examine the significance of othermothering efforts and their effectiveness in decreasing social deficits, and addressing emotional, behavioral, and academic concerns. Practices utilized by Black female teachers engaging with Black male students were explored to find out how developing, building, and nurturing relationships led to them experiencing othermothering, a foundational component of Black Feminist Thought. This practice continues to this day in spaces where women are present, such as neighborhoods, faith communities, community organizations, and educational institutions.

This research, grounded in Black Feminist Thought, aimed to explore othermothering as practiced by Black female teachers working with at-risk Black male students in the Social, Emotional, and Academic Support (SEAS) classroom. A qualitative approach was employed with a case study design. The findings from this research can help raise awareness of the practice of othermothering among Black women, while also informing best practices for education when engaging Black male students in K–12. Findings from this study revealed several related experiences that influenced the social and emotional learning of Black male students. The findings illuminated relevant themes concerning factors such as the impact of othermothering on social, emotional, and academic emergence, lifetime development of Black male students, and barriers that contribute to the disaffection of at-risk Black males.

Keywords: Black Feminism, Othermothering, Black males and social-emotional learning environments

Committee Chair/Advisor

Patricia Hoffman-Miller

Committee Member

Donald Collins

Committee Member

L. S. Spencer Jr

Committee Member

Abul Pitre

Publisher

Prairie View A&M University

Rights

Date of Digitization

8/31/2026

Contributing Institution

J B Coleman Library

City of Publication

Prairie View

MIME Type

Application/PDF

Recommended Citation

Brown, K. (2023). Othermothering: At-Risk Black Males In A Primary S.E.A.S. Milieu. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.pvamu.edu/pvamu-dissertations/142