I AM MORE THAN WHAT I APPEAR: THE LIVED EXPERIENCE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN FEMALE JOURNALISTS

This study investigates the phenomenon of intersectionality between race and
gender on the lived experiences of African American female broadcast journalists in the
state of Florida. Seven in-depth interviews were conducted and compared to determine
reoccurring themes taking place throughout each participant’s experience in broadcast
journalism as a result of their race and gender. Race, appearance, racial mentoring, and
professional advancement were the common themes that emerged in each interview.
Although there is a significant amount of research on African American women in the
workplace, there is a greater need to focus on the field of broadcast journalism and the
African American women who work in this field. Previous research on African American
women in the workplace shows that women of color experience different work
environments and treatment. The findings suggest African American female broadcast
journalists experience a different work environment compared to their colleagues due to
the intersection of race and gender.
This study investigates the phenomenon of intersectionality between race and
gender on the lived experiences of African American female broadcast journalists in the
state of Florida. Seven in-depth interviews were conducted and compared to determine
reoccurring themes taking place throughout each participant’s experience in broadcast
journalism as a result of their race and gender. Race, appearance, racial mentoring, and
professional advancement were the common themes that emerged in each interview.
Although there is a significant amount of research on African American women in the
workplace, there is a greater need to focus on the field of broadcast journalism and the
African American women who work in this field. Previous research on African American
women in the workplace shows that women of color experience different work
environments and treatment. The findings suggest African American female broadcast
journalists experience a different work environment compared to their colleagues due to
the intersection of race and gender.
This study investigates the phenomenon of intersectionality between race and
gender on the lived experiences of African American female broadcast journalists in the
state of Florida. Seven in-depth interviews were conducted and compared to determine
reoccurring themes taking place throughout each participant’s experience in broadcast
journalism as a result of their race and gender. Race, appearance, racial mentoring, and
professional advancement were the common themes that emerged in each interview.
Although there is a significant amount of research on African American women in the
workplace, there is a greater need to focus on the field of broadcast journalism and the
African American women who work in this field. Previous research on African American
women in the workplace shows that women of color experience different work
environments and treatment. The findings suggest African American female broadcast
journalists experience a different work environment compared to their colleagues due to
the intersection of race and gender.