Gifted Education (GE) stands as an area with clear underrepresentation and disproportionality of Black and/or African American students (Erwin & Worrell, 2012; Ford et al., 2016, 2020; Grissom & Redding, 2016; Hodges et al., 2018). Underrepresentation and disproportionality of Black students indicate that the racial demographics of GE programs often (1) do not accurately reflect student and local Black populations and/or (2) differ substantially in comparison with other groups (Ford, 2013; Ford et al., 2016, 2020; Wright, Ford & Young, 2017). Researchers have proposed that these issues may be an outcome of systemic and proximal barriers and biases impeding successful GE program access and entry for Black students (Ford, 2013, 2016; Ford & Whiting, 2007; Ford et al., 2018, 2020; Grissom & Redding, 2016). This study implements mixed methods to better understand the current phenomena of disproportionate underrepresentation in the New Orleans Metropolitan area. Using public demographic data from the Louisiana Department of Education and Office of Civil Rights Data Collection, descriptive statistical analysis was used to determine the current racial demographics of GE across the eight parishes that comprise the Greater New Orleans metropolitan area. Subsequently, thematic analysis was used to explore the factors that may impact GE determinations for Black students in New Orleans Metro area schools, and generate themes that explain common barriers and supports for Black students. The study implements a mixture of focus groups and individual interviews with local school stakeholders to understand their perceptions, knowledge and training in the evaluation of Black students for GE programs. Overall, the data provides information on (a) culture-specific social, cultural and economic determinants, as well as (b) how the skills and perceptions of school-based stakeholders may impact the determinations for the identification of Black students for GE. [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.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]