Pulled In or Pushed Out? Black Alumnae Experiences With Black Community During College

• In Event: 14.045 - Roundtable Session 3
  In Roundtable Session: 14.045-7 - Getting Involved: Student Engagement and Outcomes for Diverse Communities

Abstract

There is a growing body of research arguing that fostering community among Black college students will help in facilitating their college success. This paper analyzes data from a larger project of critical life stories with Black college alumnae. In particular, this analysis explores institutional factors that may have influenced the experiences that 26 African American alumnae (from the Chicago area) had with Black campus communities during college. The findings suggest that institutions may inadvertently discourage Black students from creating community, particularly in PWIs. These findings have implications for research about Black students. Some students thrive in spaces that provide connectedness for Black students while others need different experiences to prosper in college.

Authors

• Rachelle Winkle-Wagner, University of Wisconsin

• Bridget Turner Kelly, Loyola University Chicago

• Courtney Lauren Luedke, University of Wisconsin - Whitewater

• Tangela Blakely Reavis, University of Wisconsin - Madison