ABSTRACTTHE ANTI-RACIST, EQUITY-FOCUSED LEADERSHIP PRACTICES OF BLACK SUPERINTENDENTS WORKING TO DISMANTLE SYSTEMIC RACISM IN THEIR SCHOOL DISTRICTS (WHILE REMAINING EMPLOYED) Rahshene Davis Sharon M. Ravitch, PhD `This qualitative dissertation study examines the lived experiences of anti-racist, equityfocused Black district superintendents working to dismantle systemic racism in the school systems they lead. Dismantling racist policies and practices that uphold systemic racism, negatively impacting the experiences and outcomes of marginalized populations, is an uphill battle. The anti-racist, equity-focused practices of Black superintendents are met with resistance from the stakeholders that the education system has historically served well. Informed by the theoretical frameworks of Critical Race Theory, anti-racist leadership, equity-focused leadership, and Tempered Radicalism, this study drew upon semi-structured interviews with 20 Black superintendents across the United States along with a researcher self-study as a Black Assistant District Superintendent. This study examines multiple ways systemic racism impacts the lives of the Black superintendents who fight oppression while facing oppression in both their personal and professional lives. Participants shared varied stories about barriers, challenges, and successes they have faced in their anti-racist work, but many common themes emerged. The most common theme to emerge from participant narratives was the importance of alignment between superintendents and Boards of Education if any equity-focused or anti-racist moves are to be made in the district.