Chicana/Latina feminista plática methodology as a praxis of solidarity for Black women and women of color contingent faculty at a predominantly white institution (PWI)

Abstract

Rooted in the history of women of color feminisms along with the everyday pedagogical practices that occur in Chicanx/Latinx communities, CLF plática methodology stems from the recognition that Chicanx/Latinx communities are experts of their lives who engage in knowledge production and theory every day. In this conceptual essay, we explore how utilizing a CLF plática methodology while working as contingent faculty at a PWI in north Texas helped us to craft a praxis of solidarity that: developed community; provided a relationship and the space to strategize on how to respond to white supremacist violence; presented opportunities to discharge and heal; as well as opportunities to celebrate and engage in collaborative mentorship and now, collaborative research with each other.

Keywords:

• CLF
• plática
• methodology

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 In an act of solidarity but also for brevity, we combine pláticas and real talk here. However, we elaborate further on their similarities and distinctions later in the section titled CLF plática methodology in qualitative research, specifically how real talk is rooted in Black feminist traditions.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lynn Hampton

Lynn Hampton, Ph.D. is a native of Los Angeles, California. She grew up attending urban inner –city schools before attending Wellesley College in Wellesley, MA. At Wellesley, Lynn doubled majored in Political Science and Africana Studies. After Wellesley, Lynn earned her doctorate in Sociology from Vanderbilt University. As a critical race theorist, Lynn's research focuses on youth development and identity, race and gender, intersectionality, social capital, and social inequality. Currently, she is serving as the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Kenyon College in Ohio.

Sylvia Mendoza Aviña

Sylvia Mendoza Aviña (she/her/ella) is an assistant professor of Mexican American Studies in the department of Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Her research interests include Chicanx cultural studies, Chicanx youth subjectivities, and feminist research methodologies such as community-based oral histories.