African-American male students at a predominantly White institution: Perceptions of adaptation and identity

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of Black males at a predominantly White institution (PWI) and how they make sense of their experiences, in addition to how those experiences impact their identity. The use of Surprise and Sensemaking (Louis, 1980) and Black Identity theory (Cross Jr, 1971) allowed the researcher to examine both the student’s previous experiences and their current experiences on campus to better understand how Black men adapt to their current environment. During this study it was determined that many Black men have found themselves conditioned to be hyper aware of their “Blackness” and were taught at an early age how to navigate “White America”. The research gathered and analyzed through this study shows that the Surprise and Sensemaking framework helps to identify why Black males may or may not encounter surprise while at a PWI, additionally Black Identity Theory helped to uncover whether or whether not the identity of Black Males is impacted while at the PWI. This research can be used to understand better how Black men at PWI’s adapt and find a sense of belonging while circumnavigating the many challenges and barriers they will encounter at a PWI.