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Abstract
This dissertation explores the experiences of Black women in the United States (U.S.), who often find themselves situated at the margins of society due to their minoritized status in terms of both gender and race. These women face discrimination and prejudice before incarceration due to their intersectional identities, reentry into society post-incarceration with complex challenges stemming from their double minority status and their history within the criminal legal system. Using interpretive phenomenological analysis, informed by Intersectionality and Black feminist thought theory, this study delves into the unique experiences of Black women as they return to their communities after incarceration. Through narratives shared by nine self-identifying Black women, six overarching themes were constructed, capturing the essence of their reentry experiences. Three themes address the first research question: What are the lived intersectional experiences of Black women upon reentry? (a) Experiencing identity-based inequities; (b) Challenges in securing housing; (c) Confronting health-related obstacles. Three overarching themes were consistently shown across the participant group regarding research question two: How do Black women experience empowerment in overcoming post-imprisonment barriers? (a) Finding strength through faith in God; (b) Fostering self-reliance, determination, and motivation in goal achievement; (c) Deriving empowerment from familial, organizational, and communal support. The study findings are discussed, providing valuable insights into policy reform, reentry programming and practice, and directions for future research.