Refuge from The Weather: An Organizational Autoethnography about Black Male Administrator Fugitive Space

This study examines how an affinity group can serve as a Black Educational Fugitive Space, offering refuge for Black male PK-12 administrators experiencing the enduring impact of The Weather. The Weather is a metaphor for persistent anti-Blackness, violence, and systemic disregard facing Black communities. For Black male administrators, The Weather appears in anti-Black interpersonal interactions and organizational practices that contribute to burnout, dissatisfaction, and isolation. Using Culturally Sustaining Leadership and Wake Work as theoretical lenses, this study investigates how Black Educational Fugitive Space (BEFS) can offer refuge from these conditions. Through organizational autoethnography, including reflective journaling, document analysis, and artifact review, I analyze my experience co-facilitating a BEFS. Findings indicate the emergence of a Black Male Administrator Fugitive Space that provided refuge through intentional learning and relationship building. This study expands the BEFS framework to include Black male administrators and offers insights to support their professional growth, well-being, and retention.