Seen but Overlooked: Unveiling the (Counter)narratives of Black Muslim Women Navigating Higher Education

This chapter explores the unique experiences of three Black Muslim women as they navigate the higher education landscape in the UK. The authors delve into their encounters with gendered Islamophobia within the ivory tower while also shedding light on the misogynoir they confront as Black women in academia. Employing a critical race theory lens, the chapter uses a creative interpretation of the authors’ counter-narratives through the medium of composite characters. This creative expression is a powerful tool, offering an unfiltered exploration of the authors’ experiences as Black Muslim women in higher education. Through this lens, the chapter explores themes such as anti-Blackness, belonging, intersectionality, microaggressions, and representation. In a collaborative effort, the authors aim to share their invaluable insights, seeking to speak to, rather than for, the unique lived experiences of Black Muslim women navigating higher education.