Building Community and Engendering Success for Black Males: Identity and Connectedness in Black Male Initiative Programs

• In Event: 72.027 - Culturally Engaging and Influential Precollege and College Environments

Abstract

The current study relies on in-depth interviews with 40 Black males to explore their experiences in a Black Male Initiative (BMI) program at two different historically white institutions. In discussing their narratives, the students articulate the qualitative contributions that BMI had on their sense of belonging and connectedness on campus. In particular, BMI helped the men formulate a micro-community, which was centered on their racialized and gendered identities. Within their BMI community, the men felt encouraged for success because of their connections, the supportive atmosphere, and the brotherhood and bonding that developed.

Author

• Derrick R. Brooms, University of Cincinnati