A Port in the Storm: An investigation of identity in a student race-based organization for African American student leaders
Year: 2008
Type: article
Abstract: Scholars have noted that African American students have remained isolated on majorityWhite college campuses despite the increase in the diversity of the student body population (Sidanius, Levin, Van Laar, & Sinclair, 2004).It has been suggested that this isolation is exacerbated by African American student race-based organizations.However, scholars have also acknowledged the benefits that these organizations provide to African American students (Exum as cited by Williamson, 1999).The purpose of this study was to investigate how African American student leaders in race-based student organizations experience their involvement in these organizations and how their experiences influence their identity.This study also attempts to investigate how these students manage their relationships outside the university by participating in student race-based organizations.Qualitative methods were chosen to answer the research question because these particular methods place importance on the knowledge of the participants (Morawski, 2001).The methods that were chosen for this study were open-ended interviews, photovoice, and a focus group because these methods allowed the participants to contribute to the knowledge-making process and provided the researcher with a view other than their the researcher's own.The findings showed that African American students who participate in race-based organizations experienced benefits, such as enacting social action within the community and representing African American voices in White majority contexts.Experiencing these benefits also shaped their identity and their connections with others.This study also showed that through their participation in the race-based organizations, the students still held monolithic notions of iii identity, which increased their experiences of conflict.Overall, however, their identities were still positively shaped by their experiences in these organizations.This study has also identified implications for higher education.Educators and administrators need to reconsider their views of student race-based organizations and the students who participate in them.Because these organizations provide certain benefits to many African American students, educators and administrators should realize that these organizations can assist African American students throughout their collegiate careers.With the campus community working together to create a diverse campus, all students can feel welcomed, appreciated, and supported.
Author: Thembi Carr
Institution: University of Cincinnati
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Reduced inequalities
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2240712210