Black Fathers in College: Multiple Identities, Persistence, and Contextual Differences

• In Event: Black Men in College: Implications for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Beyond

Abstract

This chapter meditates on the identity construction of African American males who are both fathers and college students. The data which informs this chapter is drawn from a larger study of twenty-four African American men enrolled across twelve colleges in the nineteen southern and border states of America (Dancy, 2011). The purpose for this study is to illustrate how African American males negotiate multiple identities and college experiences, particularly in historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). After a discussion of the study of Black male fatherhood in society, the chapter describes the study, reports participant reflections, and concludes with thoughts for higher education and society.

Author

• T. Elon Dancy, University of Oklahoma