Black Male Initiative Programs: Do Black Females Have A Place? An Exploration Of The Lived Experiences Of Black Females In Bmi Programs

Officer, Danielle Marie

Dissertation

Black Male Initiative Programs: Do Black Females Have A Place? An Exploration Of The Lived Experiences Of Black Females In Bmi Programs

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Abstract

There is a lack of research specifically dedicated to the program needs of Black female college students within higher education. This qualitative research study aimed to address the deficit in research on programs that can support Black female college students. This study explores the experiences of 11 Black female college students that participated in a Black Male Initiative (BMI) program at two senior CUNY Colleges in New York City. First, the research seeks to understand how Black female college students benefited from the BMI program. Second, the study was conducted to understand how being in the BMI program assisted in overcoming barriers to academic success and engagement on campus. Lastly, this research sought to understand how, if at all, attending a BMI program affects female students’ views on race. Three main themes emerged from the findings: 1. Safe Space, 2. Supportive Black Faculty and Black Staff, and 3. Belonging and Mattering. Within the theme of Safe Space, the researcher identified three sub-themes: (a) Racial Camaraderie Building, (b) Resources, and (c) Social Interactions. Under Belonging and Mattering, the sub-themes of (a) Obstacles and Barriers, (b) Positive Sense of Belonging, and (c) Alienation were identified. Understanding programs that support Black female college students, the research findings provide data that can benefit higher education institutions in providing the supportive mechanisms to enhance the experiences of all Black female college students throughout their academic journeys.

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