Background: The rise in undergraduate enrollment of African-American students has not translated into more African-American faculty members, although they could mentor minority students and promote an ethos that encourages their academic success. Discrimination against African-American faculty members continues, which could lessen their presence.
Purpose: This study explored the narratives of 23 African-American faculty members to determine if race still matters in nursing.
Methods: A narrative approach grounded in social constructionism and critical race theory was used to illustrate the journey of African-American faculty into and throughout academia and to reveal factors related to decisions to enter and remain in academia.
Discussion: Most of the participants stated that they faced racial discrimination that tested their resilience and reinforced their commitment to the academy.
Conclusion: Intentional actions and open discourse could strengthen institutional commitments to racial diversity and facilitate the recruitment and retention of racially diverse nursing faculties.
Keywords: African-American; Narratives; Nursing faculty; Race.
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