Black Student Support Networks: Creating Community at HBCUs and PWIs

Historical and contemporary perspectives on the role of support networks in creating community and contributing to Black students' success in different postsecondary settings.

Black Student Support Networks shows how Black undergraduate and graduate students use formal and informal support networks to create community at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and predominantly White institutions (PWIs). Contributors use a range of qualitative research methods, including autoethnography, personal narratives, and case studies, and theoretical frameworks, such as critical race theory and college choice, to illuminate the challenges and successes Black students encounter in their educational journeys. They advocate for culturally relevant pedagogy, emphasizing the importance of mentoring, faculty-student relationships, peer networks, spirituality, and programming in fully supporting Black students and fostering their safety, sense of belonging, and mental well-being. With a foreword by Ivory A. Toldson and afterword by Melanie Carter, the volume is essential reading for students, faculty, administrators, researchers, and policymakers dedicated to promoting the retention and graduation of Black students, especially in the post-Affirmative Action era.

Ezella McPherson is Manager of College Access at the Detroit Regional Chamber and CEO/Founder of Dr. McPherson Coaching, LLC. She is the author of Real Outreach: A Practical Guide to Retaining and Graduating College Students and Dream On! Supporting and Graduating African American Girls and Women in STEM. Tony Laing is Founder/CEO of Laing Equity Education Group, LLC, and has worked in K-12 and higher education across academic affairs, student affairs, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, advising, and study abroad. He has authored several peer-reviewed articles and reports on culturally relevant education, student voice, and equity in education.