After the Storm

This chapter describes the experiences of two Black women that have earned doctoral degrees from predominately white institutions, through their narratives. The authors described their experiences using the metaphorical backdrop of a storm. The beginning of their doctoral program represents the calm before the storm. Their experiences within their doctoral program symbolize the authors' movement through the eye of the storm. Finally, the description of the aftermath of the storm symbolizes their post-doctoral journey. They use Tinto's student integrations model as the lens to view their narratives. They describe their institutional experiences by elaborating on their goal and institutional commitments, and their academic and social systems. One of the social aspects of the institutional experience that helped them successfully navigate their doctoral program was inclusion in the Brown Gurlz. The Brown Gurlz is a group of Black women who need a space and place to collaborate and share experiences to benefit all that are in the group.