The title of this alternative format dissertation, comprised of this author's edited previously published article and two manuscripts, was inspired by Maya Angelou's poem, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings." Although this poem was written years ago, it still reflects the desire of Black adolescent females to sing of freedom for the inclusion of their voices in how they express themselves through their language and literacy practices. The first chapter titled, "`Oh, Those Loud Black Girls!': A Phenomenological Study of Black Girls Talking with an Attitude," is a research study, which was first published in the Journal of Language and Literacy Education, about Black adolescent females who used the African American Women's Speech Practice, "Talking with an Attitude" (TWA), with or around their teachers. This chapter details the reasons behind their use of TWA as well as their teachers' role in their appropriation of it in the school context. The second chapter titled, "Oooh, It's Sooo Good!!! : Black Adolescent Females Experiencing the Delicacy of Reading," is also a phenomenological study designed to put forth the voices of Black adolescent girls who are avid readers. The girls' inspiration for reading, captivation with it, and need to share their avidity with others are analyzed in intricate ways that provide an in-depth understanding of those Black girls who do not fit the struggling reader stereotype. The final chapter titled, "The Roles of Digital Literacies and Critical Literacy for Black Adolescent Females," is an extension of the study in the second chapter. This conceptual thought paper focuses on these young adolescents' critical literacy and digital literacies' prowess as it relates to their voracious reading practices. Through their voices, it was evident that the girls needed instruction in how to maximize technological tools and use it for advocacy or critical literacy. The findings herein inform researchers and practitioners on research and pedagogical considerations that should be made when working with this powerful, yet silenced population.
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