Beyond the Touchdowns and Slam Dunks: A Critical Examination of How Revenue-Playing African American Male Student Athletes at Predominately White Institutions Experience and Perceive the Climate on Their Campus

• In Event: Roundtable Session 17
  In Roundtable Session: Challenges Confronting Student-Athletes and Coaches From K-12 to College

Abstract

This research explores how African American male student athletes who compete in revenue sports at predominately White institutions (PWIs) experience and perceive the climate on their campus and team. Stereotype threat is utilized for the conceptual framing of this proposal. Preliminary findings indicate (1) negative stereotypes being an ubiquitous reality for Black male student athletes at White institutions, (2) the importance of athletes feeling validated by their coaches, (3) their desire to connect with Black male faculty and support staff, and (4) participants becoming cognizant of the “business” of collegiate athletics. This study offers suggestions into the types of programs, services, psycho-educational workshops, and interventions that predominantly White institutions might consider for their revenue playing African American male student athletes.

Authors

• Ronald Williams Whitaker, University of Pennsylvania

• Adriel Adon Hilton, Western Carolina University

• Rodney K. Hopson, George Mason University