In previous studies, Black gay males have shared their lived experiences at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), but the voices of outwardly presently gay Black males remain void in the literature and how they navigate such institutions. Despite their community and relationship-based environment, the foundational tenets of HBCUs…

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the experiences that contributed to the persistence of African American males at a historically Black college. The problem was that the percentage of 18- to 24-year-old African American males enrolled in the nation's colleges and universities over the past two decades has…

Some campuses are exemplars for best practices for racial inclusion in higher education, and they offer a vital opportunity to understand how to better include Black students. This critical life story analysis of Black college alumnae who graduate from a historically Black, women's institution, Spelman College, demonstrates the importance of…

This dissertation is a study of Bennett College for Women (Bennett College), one of two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) whose mission continues to be the provision of higher education to Black women in America. It is one of just over one hundred HBCUs still operating in the United States. This dissertation tells the story of…

American women in the 21st century have more options from which to select a college education than in the past, yet there are some women who purposely select a women's college. This study examined the culture of women's colleges, specifically Spelman College, a Historically Black Women's College (HBWC) in Atlanta, Georgia, founded by White…

Spelman College, a small (~2150 students) Black women's liberal arts college located in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, is dedicated to empowering women of African descent to become global leaders and change agents. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the resulting abrupt and unforeseen campus closure, Spelman experienced pressure and urgency to…

Using focus groups and interviews, this study investigates the information practices of 23 LGBTQIA+ students attending Morehouse College and Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. Responses suggest that students rely heavily on peer support and word of mouth for information seeking and sharing. Social media seems to play a large role in sharing…

Historically, education has often varied by curriculum, access, and stature based on location, race, gender, economic status, religion, and time period. In addition, many educational institutions and much scholarly research have been significantly impacted by private foundation support. This essay discusses the politics of knowledge as it relates…