Black Studies: Being Black at Bennington

The purpose of this study was to examine the educational experiences of Bennington College alumni, who self-identify as Black. Three individuals participated in a semi-structured interview consisting of open-ended questions about their individual Black identity and experiences with race throughout their schooling. This analysis provides further insight into the connection between Black students’ development of racial identity, positive racial socialization and academic resilience as components for continued academic success in an inherently racist system that is not going to change anytime soon.

The Healing Collective sought out to create a sacred and protected space focused on the historical traumas, perspectives and practices of Black women and our specific experiences at Bennington College. We established methods of healing and survival through music rehearsals and dinners, culminating in a large gathering and performance on May 10th; as well as a resource library available physically and digitally through Crossett Library that engages multiple modes of Black women’s praxis." --Ashlyn Haywood. "The Healing Collective is a practice revolving around Black women and our survival tactics at Bennington College. Started by Ash Haywood and Fiona McGovern in the Spring of 2017 during the Black Spring exhibition, the Healing Collective sought out to provide a space on campus to explore various modes of black women healing praxis, including spiritual, ancestral, herbal, reproductive and academic healing work. Through weekly music rehearsals, community dinners and a resource library, we draw on a Black feminist legacy from writers such as Lucile Clifton, Audre Lorde and Cheryl Clarke.​​ This project culminated in a concert during the music senior concert week on May 10th and a digital resource guide through the Crossett Library page.

Initially, I planned to interview only women who identified as African American, and I called this population “women of color.” I later expanded my research focus to include women who identified as Latina, Caribbean or Native American. Thus, for the purposes of my thesis, the phrase “women of color” refers to women who identify themselves as African-American, Latina, Native American, and Caribbean. I did not originally plan to include interviews with white women in my research project. I soon realized, however, including them would provide balance and a comparative basis for my analysis.