Navigating Space, Place, and Belonging: Intersections of Identity, Community, and Progressive Masculinities at Predominantly White Institutions.

• In Event: Reimagining Black Masculinities: Exploring the Educational Experiences of Black Boys and Men

Abstract

This study explores how Black men at predominantly White institutions assert agency to navigate the complexities of race and gender in academic and social spaces. Focusing on eight creative arts scholars, it highlights how these students foster progressive Black masculinities through supportive counterspaces. The paper emphasizes the role of campus communities and cultures in cultivating belonging and critical understandings of identity. By centering students’ proactive efforts, the study reveals how they contribute to more inclusive environments that benefit not only themselves but also their Black peers and the broader campus community. This research offers valuable insights into identity formation, community-building, and equity in higher education.

Author

• Jonathan Berhanu, Hobart & William Smith Colleges