By Agyemang Amofa Prempeh & Dr. Sydney Freeman, Jr.
Black people continue to face significant challenges in higher education. The Underrepresentation of Black students in colleges and universities and a lack of Black faculty and administrators highlight the pressing need for targeted initiatives to foster Black thriving and flourishing on campuses. While valuable research has been conducted on concepts such as Black joy and a sense of belonging, a comprehensive research agenda on Black thriving and flourishing in higher education is still lacking.
A research agenda on Black thriving and flourishing will provide a comprehensive approach to correct the existing disparities faced by Black students, faculty, staff, and administrators at predominately White institutions (PWIs). Such a research agenda may also lead to developing strategies that, when implemented, facilitate higher education campuses where Black people can reach their fullest potential academically and professionally, provide mentorship and professional development opportunities, and establish platforms to celebrate Black achievements and cultural heritage. Ultimately, this approach is intended to overcome disparities and support Black individuals at PWIs, enabling them to succeed and fully contribute their unique perspectives and talents.
In addition, research plays a vital role in challenging and reshaping dominant narratives perpetuating stereotypes and stigmatization. By conducting rigorous research on Black thriving and flourishing, researchers in this field, including ourselves as authors, can highlight Black individuals' diverse achievements, contributions, and resilience. This effort helps to counter harmful narratives and fosters a more accurate and inclusive understanding of the Black experience. A robust research agenda can also inform evidence-based policies and practices that foster Black thriving and flourishing. By collecting and analyzing data, researchers can provide policymakers and practitioners with actionable insights, facilitating the development of targeted interventions and programs.
Defining Black Thriving and Flourishing
While thriving and flourishing are often used interchangeably, they convey different meanings, especially within higher education. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in addressing Black students, faculty, staff, and administrators’ unique challenges and opportunities in PWIs. We will provide examples that may impact students for the article's sake.
Thriving is often related to the success generated by one's effort. For example, a Black student may demonstrate thriving by securing a prestigious internship, presenting research at a significant academic conference, or earning academic awards. These accomplishments, stemming from the student's hard work and dedication, are clear indicators of thriving in an academic setting.
Flourishing is most often associated with creating and facilitating the environment for a person to be successful, particularly involving broader institutional support. A pertinent example is a university implementing policies and programs to support Black students' active inclusion and advancement. This might include establishing mentorship programs with Black faculty, highlighting the contributions of Black people at a particular institution, or forming campus organizations and spaces that celebrate and support Black culture and identity. Flourishing is thus characterized not simply by individual achievements but also by the institution's role in fostering an environment where Black students, faculty, staff, and administrators can succeed academically and personally.
We, as authors, believe and recognize that Black people can thrive in one aspect of life because of tremendous effort but flounder in other areas because of inadequate conditions. However, to flourish, a person needs the right environment (i.e., people, resources, time, space, support, etc.). While such definitions build on previous research on Black students, faculty, staff, and administrative success, we believe that existing scholarship could be enhanced by looking at the interconnectedness of best practices related to the success of various Black constituencies on campus. Said another way, for Black students to thrive and flourish, you need the Black faculty, staff, and administrators that serve these students to thrive and prosper.
Currently, a few initiatives are underway to address the issue of Black thriving and flourishing in higher education. One such initiative is the Black Research Institute of Flourishing and Thriving (BRIFT) at the University of Idaho (UI). This initiative is part of UI Black faculty and staff’s commitment over the past few years to ensure that Black individuals at the PWI feel valued and supported. BRIFT seeks to conduct extensive research and design innovative initiatives to address the challenges making it difficult for Black students, faculty, staff, and administrators to thrive and flourish.
One of the critical initiatives of BRIFT is to enhance Black individuals' retention and graduation rates at the UI. The underrepresentation of Black individuals, including students, staff, and administrators in higher education, especially across predominantly white campuses nationwide, remains a significant concern despite some colleges and university leaders’ efforts to ensure diversity. The Institute conducts research to identify these barriers, develop strategies to address these challenges and ensure that Black individuals are represented at all levels in the university.
Additionally, BRIFT recognizes the importance of promoting retention among Black employees and students on predominantly white campuses. The Institute aims to collect and analyze data to identify the factors contributing to the higher attrition rate among Black students, faculty, staff, and administrators and develop initiatives to address these challenges. To ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of these initiatives, BRIFT has established partnerships with various stakeholders, including community organizations, alumni, and other academic institutions. These collaborations have enabled the institute to leverage resources, share best practices, and create a support network for Black individuals within and beyond the university community.
Empowering Black Excellence: Multifaceted Approaches in Higher Education
The drive to support and enhance the experiences of Black individuals in higher education has given rise to various innovative initiatives. While distinct in focus, each program collectively contributes to building a more inclusive and supportive academic environment. One such program is derived from the Office of Inclusive Excellence at the University of California, Irvine, which has established the Black Thriving Initiative (BTI). BTI is a collaborative effort between academic institutions, community organizations, and policymakers that seeks to promote research, policy, and practice aimed at improving the well-being and flourishing of Black communities. BTI focuses on issues such as economic empowerment, health equity, education access, and criminal justice reform.
Summary
In conclusion, as a community of researchers, educators, and policymakers, we recognize the essential role of a dedicated research agenda focused on Black thriving and flourishing within academia. By exploring how educational systems and practices contribute to Black individuals' holistic well-being and empowerment, we can develop evidence-based interventions and policies to dismantle institutional barriers. This agenda needs to take interdisciplinary/multi-disciplinary approaches that draw from fields and disciplines like psychology, sociology, and public health to fully understand the factors that promote Black thriving and flourishing. The goal is to uncover effective strategies for empowering the Black community and fostering sustainable change.
We, who are a part of higher education as a field of study, are uniquely prepared and poised to pursue this research agenda to create a more equitable and inclusive society where every Black individual can achieve their fullest potential. The time has come to uplift Black voices, experiences, and aspirations within academia. By focusing on Black thriving and flourishing higher education, scholars can forge a future where all Black individuals can reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities and society as a whole. Together, Black people can embark on this crucial research agenda and work towards a more equitable and inclusive world for all.
About the Authors
Agyemang Amofa Prempeh, is a Ph.D. student in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences at the University of Idaho and Project Manager of the University of Idaho's Black Research Institute for Flourishing and Thriving (BRIFT).
Dr. Sydney Freeman, Jr. is a Full Professor in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences at the University of Idaho and Founder and Chief Research Scientist in the University of Idaho’s Black Research Institute for Flourishing and Thriving (BRIFT). Dr. Freeman was the recipient of the 2022 Carlos J. Vallejo Memorial Award for Exemplary Scholarship, awarded by the Multicultural/Multiethnic Education: Theory, Research and Practice group within the American Educational Research Association (AERA).
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