This phenomenological qualitative study examines a problem of practice and its context within equity, ethics, and social justice. Nationwide, African American students represent a small percentage of all students enrolled in an honors program or college. This study explores the experiences of African American students who are members of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College at the University of Mississippi. Understanding the significance of numerical critical mass, shared identity, and resiliency will yield ways of enhancing the honors college experience for its African American students as well as staff being more knowledgeable regarding more productive recruiting practices thereby enriching the learning environment of all stakeholders within an honors college as well as society-at-large. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]