This study seeks to unearth, through methods of autoethnography and reflective self-inquiry, what can be learned about the development of personal and professional identity through the gaze of a Black male member of the academy by analyzing the various interactions and encounters experienced while navigating political spaces in predominantly white institutions. In discovery of the ways that deep analysis of self generates data encouraging researchers to address their feelings about race, history, education, politics, and other topics not only within the context of their own lived experiences but through windows of their own situated realities, this research examines how inquiry into self and the sharing of personal narrative serves as a political act of professional development towards transformational change and a shift in institutional culture. Through use of a FATES descriptive matrix, researchers eager to engage critical autoethnographic exploration are offered a starting point for crystallized analysis of data. This study employs methods of identity construction grounded in frames of postcolonial and critical race theory to investigate Black male faculty professional development against the landscape of politics in higher education. [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.]