Black Thriving and Flourishing in Higher Education: What a Decade of Literature Tells Us

• In Event: Ecological Perspectives of Well-Being and Thriving in Higher Education Spaces

Abstract

1. Objectives or purposes
This study presents a literature review and synthesis of 31 publications, with the purpose and objective of informing scholars and practitioners of our current understanding of what Black flourishing and thriving is in the academy.

2. Perspective(s) or theoretical framework
The perspective and theoretical grounding for this project was based upon Dr. Molefi Kete Asante’s (2003) theory of Afrocentricity. This theory asserts that Black history and progress should be viewed and approached through lenses that center people of African descent. Therefore, this project centers the voices, needs, and aspirations of Black people. For the sake of this study, thriving is being defined as success generated by one's effort. Flourishing is defined as creating and facilitating the environment for a person to be successful.

3. Methods, techniques, or modes of inquiry
For this literature review, a meta-synthesis approach was employed to synthesize and analyze the existing research on Black thriving and flourishing in higher education. A comprehensive search of scholarly databases was conducted, including scholarship published within the past ten years (2013-2023). The literature search was conducted utilizing the following academic search engines: Google Scholar, the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), Blackwell Synergy, Journal Storage (JSTOR), Informaworld, the Wilson Index, Ebscohost Electronic Journal Service, Wiley Interscience, Project Muse, the Springer Collection, Questia Online Libraries, Galegroup, PsycINFO, Proquest Digital Dissertations, and the Sage Publications Collection.The search included keywords such as "Black thriving," "Black flourishing," "Black joy," and "Black sense of belonging."

4. Data sources, evidence, objects, or materials
The data sources for this project were scholarly publications on topics such as Black joy, thriving, flourishing, and sense of belonging. Once all references were gathered and annotated, the study proceeded with the analysis. Subsequently, emerging themes from the literature were identified and cross-verified through repeated readings. The analysis of the literature revealed common themes and patterns related to Black joy, Black sense of belonging, Black thriving, and Black flourishing. These themes were examined in relationship to the experiences, challenges, and facilitators of Black students' thriving and flourishing in higher education settings.

5. Results and/or substantiated conclusions or warrants for arguments/point of view
The primary themes that emerged from the analysis of the literature included fostering, factors that influence, and artistic expressions of Black thriving and flourishing. The synthesis of the literature underscores the importance of creating inclusive and supportive environments that foster Black joy, a sense of belonging, thriving, and flourishing in higher education. The findings suggest that institutional efforts should go beyond addressing disparities and focus on cultivating positive experiences and outcomes for Black students.

6. Scientific or scholarly significance of the study or work
The results of this study are significant as it centers the importance of Black flourishing and thriving in a time when Black students and employees often don’t feel safe, valued, and supported (Glover, 2015). This project combats that by uncovering scholarship that provides practitioners and scholars with strategies to facilitate environments that produce Black flourishing and thriving.

Authors

• Sydney Freeman, University of Idaho

• Agyemang Amofa Prempeh, University of Idaho