Gender, race, and class--intertwining oppressions experienced by Black women have ultimately led to barriers such as marginality, exploitation, political subjugation, and negative images of African American women (Collins, 2009). Research about the lived experiences of Black women has either been infrequently told or narrated by individuals who sympathize with the oppressions faced by Black women; much of the research has not been conducted by Black women (Collins, 2009). The lives and careers of five female African American superintendents were studied via implementation of Black feminist thought framework. This study employed an oral history and oral history for Black women method in which the participants revealed personal narratives which illuminated gender-, racial-, and social-based barriers experienced by the participants. This study expounds upon the limited amount of research about female African American superintendents by researchers who share their demographics. The data indicated that the participants have encountered overt and covert racism, sexism, and social stereotypes hindering their leadership. The significance of the findings indicates that there is a need for comprehensive awareness of the barriers that hinder the leadership of female African Americans and policy reform which can educate the world on ways to eliminate oppression. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]