Voices of Black Leadership: Perceptions of University-Community Relationships Within Black Neighborhoods

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Seven
  In Roundtable Session: Local, State, and Regional Contexts in Higher Education (Table 5)

Abstract

Most colleges and universities across the United States engage in some level of service, outreach, or partnership with communities in proximity of their institutions. However, the relationships have not always been viewed as favorable. These relationships can be exacerbated in locations where gentrification occurs and minoritized communities, are displaced, disregarded, and encroached upon. The perspectives of twenty-seven Black community leaders from Black communities in the United States about the town-gown relationship in their specific communities is explored. Their responses address issues of mistrust, division, desire for community improvement, and hope brought on by Black colleges and universities. The findings can inform university administrators and community engagement coordinators; and asks what higher education institutions learn from Black colleges about town-gown relationships.

Authors

• Dave A. Louis, University of Houston
  Presenting Author

• Kenzalia Bryant-Scott, University of Houston
  Presenting Author

• Teranda Joy Donatto, University of Houston
  Presenting Author