The official title of my dissertation project is "Examining The Pathways to Crime in Previously Incarcerated Black Women in The U.S. and Their Perspectives on Mental Health Intervention: A Phenomenological Study." The purpose of this research project is to examine the pathways to crime of formerly incarcerated Black women by affording them the autonomy of shaping their own narrative and making meaning of their experiences. The current proposed project utilizes a phenomenological approach (interview) to examine how understanding the intersections of race, class, gender, and sexuality in the lives of Black women can foster insight into examining the patterns of oppression in America that negatively impact their mental health and subsequently contribute to their incarceration. These findings will be used to formulate recommendations to inform culturally responsive mental health intervention and encourage resilience amongst Black women in the D.C. area.