“In a Way It Certainly Tells Us that We Don’t Belong Here”: Black First-Generation College Students Visualizing Their Sense of Belonging at a Historically White Institution

Abstract

This paper examines how Black first-generation college students (FGCS) involved in a participant photography project describe their sense of belonging at historically white institutions (HWI). Using visual and narrative data from a qualitative study of 20 Black FGCS at private HWIs, the paper examines their experiences with the campus racial climate, including their encounters with campus-based environmental microaggressions. Additionally, the study highlights particular contexts where Black FGCS experienced belonging, such as culturally relevant activities and institutional support systems that fostered their sense of belonging on campus.

Keywords

race identity postsecondary education programs qualitative scale construction diversity social racism African American students urban education minority academic success

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