Black Male High School Student Athlete Dreams and Neighborhood Realities: Implications of Perceptions, Aspirations, and Identities

• In Event: 16.052 - Critical Perspectives on Black Males in Education

Abstract

Originating from a dissertation research study that examines Black male adolescents who live in a Midwestern city, this paper examines the experiences, perceptions, aspirations and identities of Black male high school student athletes. Although research studies of Black male college athletes are insightful, these studies do not capture the experiences of Black male student athletes at a crucial time in their adolescence. Observations and in-depth interviews with eight black male adolescents and their family members were situated within a macro-analysis of their neighborhood and school. Key themes include (a) Black male high school student athletes’ participation in recreational activities; (b) parental guidance being instrumental to academic success; (c) athletic participation being used to develop socially.

Author

• Adeoye Adeyemo, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign