Negotiation Spaces: Interrogating Black Men Doctoral Students' Experiences Using Cross and Fhagen-Smith's Black Identity Development Model

Abstract:

Black men's experiences in education are often marked by isolation, imposter syndrome, and racial microaggressions. This qualitative case study, guided by the five enactments of Cross and Fhagen Smith's (2001) model of Black identity development, explored the experiences of 20 Black men doctoral students as they navigated and continually redefined their racial identity in response to campus perceptions of their identity. Findings and implications include new theoretical framings for Cross and Fhagen-Smith's model and practical considerations for student affairs practitioners, faculty, and students. Additionally, these findings expand the use of Cross and Fhagen-Smith's model to include concepts of masculinity. We provide broader implications for practice and suggestions for theory and future research.