The Stories Within Our Voices: Black Males Navigating Educational Achievement

• In Event: Critical Examination of Race, Ethnicity, Class, and Gender in Education: Intersections of Masculinity

Abstract

One of the first institutions students encounter in society is the educational system. The K-12 system of education is not immune to factors of disproportionalities, institutional racism, and implicit biases. These factors have a negative impact on students’ education and livelihoods. Using Critical Race Theory (CRT), this qualitative study used phenomenological inquiry to explore the perceptions of Black males in high school regarding their educational experiences. Five themes emerged from the study: relationships matter, access and opportunity, hidden-curriculum, racial ambiguity, and parental involvement. An implication that arose from the findings was that when tenets of culturally responsive and relevant pedagogy were employed in school settings, these students were able to navigate positively through challenges toward a more successful educational trajectory.

Author

• Patricia A Green, University of Colorado - Colorado Springs