Journal of Texas School Women Executives, Volume III, Issue 1 2014 Conclusion African American women have a better chance of acquiring a superintendent position in the school district where they grew up and worked for an extensive period of time. This was the case for all but one of the women in this study. In addition, African American women have a stronger chance of acquiring a superintendent position in a small school district with mainly minority populations. This conclusion is consistent with Jackson’s (2006) research. Also, the importance of African American women to build positive relationships in the community with all stakeholders and establish a reputation of fairness, loyalty and trust are paramount. The African American women superintendents in this study defied the odds. They recommended encouraging other African American women, in Hillard’s words, to “go for it.” They surmounted these barriers. Through our lens we can afford to do no less. African American women and women in general should continue the fight for social justice.

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