Date Approved

12-14-2024

Graduate Degree Type

Project

Degree Name

Education-Higher Education (M.Ed.)

Degree Program

College of Education

First Advisor

Karyn Rabourn

Academic Year

2024/2025

Abstract

The experiences of first-generation Black male scholars in historically White institutions are often shaped by intersecting challenges of race, gender, and academic status, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of their resilience, achievements, and the structural barriers they navigate in pursuit of academic and personal success. This project examines the lived experiences and realities of first-generation undergraduate Black male scholars in historically White institutions, utilizing Harper’s (2012) anti-deficit achievement framework and Masten’s (2001) resilience theory to explore the complexities of their academic and social journeys. The project aims to highlight how these scholars navigate structural barriers, racial stereotypes, and personal distractions, such as family responsibilities and mental health challenges, while fostering resilience and academic success. By focusing on their strengths, achievements, and coping strategies, this project underscores the importance of creating supportive, inclusive, and affirming environments that acknowledge their unique needs and realities. This project challenges prevailing deficit-based narratives surrounding Black male scholars and instead emphasizes their capacity for brilliance, self-determination, and achievement. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks, the research seeks to both celebrate the successes of Black male scholars and offer concrete recommendations for institutional practices that can reduce biases, enhance support systems, and cultivate a meaningful sense of belonging, connectedness, and community. This project contributes to the growing body of literature on the intersectional experiences of Black male scholars in higher education, advocating for institutional change that empowers and uplifts these students in pursuit of academic excellence, personal growth, and community engagement.

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