This study examined psychosocial factors and structural factors influencing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students' experiences at six historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in different locations (East, West and South) of the United States. The mixed method design allowed different types of data sources to…

Historical analyses of educational attainment trends have revealed disparities concerning Black males, particularly with respect to attainment of advanced degrees. The purpose of the present study was to identify critical factors that promoted educational attainment of advanced degrees among ten Black men who were leaders within educational…

Undergraduate students of color (SoC) struggle to negotiate STEM experiences, which becomes a barrier to shaping identity and academic success. A qualitative research study was designed using a created figured worlds (FW) to observe how SoC used language to engage in activities for understanding and negotiating identities. Multiple frameworks was…

The purpose of the current study was to test culture-specific coping strategies as moderators of the effects of race-related stress on academic self-concept for 201 African American students attending a predominantly White institution. It was expected that participants who endorsed greater use of culture-specific coping strategies would yield high…

The emphasis, and in most cases, overemphasis of abysmal academic outcomes without deeper critical analyses regarding ways predominantly White institutions (PWIs) obviate the success of Black males has often dominated the research literature. As such, Black male perspectives regarding the ways in which they support each other in successfully…

Research investigating Black student engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) postsecondary education connects their racial identity to STEM identity development and persistence. How Black students perceive and understand their Blackness in relationship to STEM learning environments to embody their identity; however,…

There has been growing attention to spirituality, religiosity, and the Black Church in relation to African Americans' mental health. As such, scholars are increasingly recognizing the influence Black churches have in the lives of African Americans and call for collaborative partnerships between mental health professionals and predominantly Black…

This study examines how 12 Black student leaders apply transgenerational knowledge to pursue social change while attending a predominantly White institution. Findings indicated participants' used Black cultural beliefs as a source of pride concerning what it means to be Black and to create positive change on campus through engaging in activism. By…

The purpose of this study was to examine the college experiences (academic, athletic, and social) of two groups of Black female college athletes at a Division I historically Black college and /university (HBCU). Utilizing sense of belonging theory, the current study explored how Black female college athletes navigate their experiences and manage…

Prior to the arrival of Europeans in the 15th century, informal education existed in Ghana with the goal of introducing young people into the society. The traditions and values of the community, as well as the meaning of life, were taught to the child. By using postcolonial theory as a framework for analysis, it is evident that the Western formal…

This ethnographic case study explores the nature of social justice at an historically Black college and university (HBCU) from the perspective of a physical education teacher education--a discipline within a context rarely explored in depth. Throughout this study, I maintain that a careful analysis of social justice must consider the culture and…

Research suggests that participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities improves students' academic outcomes, but less is known about the mechanisms by which these programs impact students' educational trajectories. This study examines psychosocial factors linking participation in an urban debate league (UDL) and academic performance…

The underrepresentation of Black women in STEM, coupled with the urgent need for more qualified STEM workers to fill jobs left vacant by an aging US workforce, resulted in a plethora of studies exploring identity development related to STEM degree pursuance and career aspirations. Although several aspects of identity development were explored, ego…

Theoretical articulations of governmentality, and discipline and punishment are central to understanding policing and the state's production of disciplined subjects throughout society. However, incidents of state violence result in specific forms of racialized and gendered discipline and punishment practices that target Black women and girls. This…

The purpose of this qualitative case-study is to examine the complexity and double consciousness of a Black, middle class child navigating church and school. Conceptually, the study draws from Black education and theoretically employs Cultural Historical Activity Theory and identity theories. Three research questions were investigated: (a) How are…