All my people spiritual: Maintaining communalistic values to support the STEM matriculation of black men

• In Event: Bridging the Gap: An Afrofuturist Vision for STEM Education

Abstract

Consistent with the 2026 AERA theme, we reenvisioned qualitative data collection by honoring oral histories of Black Men STEM professionals, grounded by Black storytelling traditions. This study introduces Brotherhood Circles as a methodology. Authors sought to answer the research question: What supports Black Diasporic Men’s matriculation and retention in STEM and Health professions? Across the 50 Brothers who participated in Brotherhood Circles, it was revealed that Afrocentric values of communalism are evidenced in Black Diasporic Men’s abilities to matriculate through their respective studies and enter STEM careers. Black Men in this study naturally gravitated to communities that held similar beliefs, cultures, and customs, whether or not these communities were STEM-specific.

Authors

• Takeshia Pierre, Tufts University

• Neisha Terry Young, Stony Brook University - SUNY