Spaces of Hope: Examining Racial and Academic Identity Formation in Black Male Affinity Groups

• In Event: Psychological Perspectives, Race, and Healing in Black Education

Abstract

Inside classrooms, messages about race are constantly being transmitted from teachers and their peers that students draw from to make sense of themselves and the world around them. High school students can benefit – academically and socially – from having the opportunity to explore these messages with their peers in a collective sense-making setting. Situated at the intersection of social structures, experiences and culture, this study considers affinity groups as a potential “safe space” where students can unpack race-related messages, affirm and explore aspects of their identity, and receive guidance and support for interacting with individuals who might not share, understand, or respect that identity. Drawing from critical race theory, this ethnographic project utilizes qualitative methodology and is informed by sociological perspectives.

Author

• DeMarcus A Jenkins, The Pennsylvania State University