African American Men and Community College Club Basketball: A Supportive Educational Community

• In Event: Roundtable Session 26
  In Roundtable Session: Boys to Men: Resilience and Black Male Students

Abstract

The study described how Club Basketball plays a role in the college experience of 21 African American men enrolled in two community colleges. Using the theory of minority student survival as an interpretive lens, Club Basketball membership acted as an educational community to support African American men as they navigated the community college climate. Club Basketball, and the team’s coach, supported students by providing ongoing problem solving opportunities and safety nets for personal growth. As issues of marginalization created barriers for African American men, the ability to repeatedly use Club Basketball as a dynamic social community to navigate the campus climate provided an opportunity to discuss how educational communities create spaces that support success among African American men.

Authors

• Rick C. Jakeman, The George Washington University

• Susan Swayze, The George Washington University

• Kimberly Ellis, The George Washington University