Activism, Identity, and Racism: Perceptions and Experiences of Black Women at a Predominantly White Institution

• In Event: 52.062 - Inclusion and Exclusion Across the Educational Pipeline

Abstract

The current study reports findings from the second phase of a mixed methods study on the perceptions and experiences of Black women undergraduate students at a predominately White institution (PWI). The first phase of our study revealed that the women’s experiences were based on their multiple identities and the fact that many anticipated that the PWI would have a racist environment. Additionally, almost half of the study participants did not report reacting strongly to numerous racially-charged incidents that had occurred on the campus. Therefore, the second phase of the study delves more into the personal and educational backgrounds and experiences of the participants and how those prior experiences informed current reactions, perceptions and actions (or inactions) at the PWI.

Authors

• Hattie Lee Hammonds, Pitt County Schools

• Cherese Fine, Clemson University

• Corliss Brown Thompson, Northeastern University