Patterns of Black Racial Identity Development of Black Men Affiliated with Historically Black Fraternities at a Large Predominately White University in the Midwest

Abstract

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] This study examined the meaning behind the experiences that influence racial identity development of Black fraternity members at a large public land grant research university in the Midwest. Existing literature specific to racial identity development in Black college men is outdated and largely underdeveloped. Previous studies have rarely made the distinction between student experiences in predominantly White fraternities and sororities and historically Black Greek letter organizations. No comprehensive qualitative research has been published on how participation in a historically Black fraternity influences Black racial identity development. In order to gain a greater understanding of how the participants make meaning of their experience at a predominately White campus and whether their affiliation in a historically Black fraternity influences their racial identity development, a phenomenological study using an exploratory design was utilized. Implications of this study provide perspectives to student affairs practitioners and lead to interventions to mitigate the high rate of attrition among Black men at predominately White campuses. Utilizing Cross's model of psychological nigrescence, five themes emerged through the course of this study about their decision to join a historically Black fraternity and how affiliation in those organizations influenced the participants' Black racial identity. Findings revealed that Black fraternity members' Black racial identity is influenced by participation in these student organizations. Moreover, historically Black fraternities provide members a social support network to cope with the stressors of attending a predominately White institution while simultaneously promoting positive outcomes. Lastly, Black Greek letter organizations members use their respective organizations as an outlet for Black racial expression and provide members a cultural connection with their African Ancestry. Keywords: historically Black Greek lettered organization, Greek letter societies, Black college students, student involvement, African American leadership, student activities