Get Them in the Game: Multiple Identities in Social Worlds of African Youth

• In Event: Roundtable Session 33
  In Roundtable Session: Current Issues in African and Black Education

Abstract

The purpose of this pilot study is to examine the multiple identities that first generation African immigrant college and college bound students enact in their social worlds. By developing a deeper understanding of how these youth perceive their identities, educators and administrators are better able to support their educational goals. Based on the need to implement curriculum and educational opportunities that speaks to first generation African immigrant students, open-ended questionnaires were administered and interviews were conducted. Additionally, an analysis of the participants’ social media accounts was conducted to understand the shifting identities that the participants performed in multiple social worlds. This nuanced understanding of the participants’ lives enable educators to better design educational opportunities for first generation African immigrant youth.

Authors

• George Nantwi, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Hui Soo Chae, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Gary J. Natriello, Teachers College, Columbia University