Voices of Resistance — Shapeshifting as HBCU Doctoral Students.

Author: Kyra Milbourne, Nzinga Cardwell, Vernajh Pinder

Published in: Educational Justice Journal, Special Edition — Volume 3, Issue 2 (Spring 2025)

DOI:

10.64262/c2y718

Abstract:
More than code-switching, shapeshifting is a rich, ongoing process that engages identity across multiple dimensions — race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, and environment. This article shares three autoethnographies from HBCU doctoral students who reflect on their personal and academic journeys of adaptation and self-formation. One author paints vivid memories of Bahamian culture and queerness, illustrating how shapeshifting enabled resilience and authenticity. Together, these stories highlight the nuanced work of embracing one’s full self to survive and thrive in higher education — and the power that cultural and communal roots provide.

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Citation:
Milbourne, K., Cardwell, N., & Pinder, V. (2025). Doctoral perspectives: Voices of resistance — shapeshifting as HBCU doctoral students. Educational Justice Journal, 3(2), 18-23.