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Black and Latinx Students Search for Community at Historically White Colleges and Universities

Felipe Blair

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Published in Campus Counterspaces: Black And Latinx Students Search For Community At Historically White Universities

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Black and Latinx students at historically white colleges and universities (HWCU) often face social isolation and discrimination. They may feel pressure to conform to white norms and values, and they may have difficulty finding peers who share their cultural experiences. As a result, many Black and Latinx students seek out community and support on campus. They may join cultural organizations, attend social events, and participate in activities that celebrate their heritage.

Campus Counterspaces: Black and Latinx Students' Search for Community at Historically White Universities

by Micere Keels

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
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For many Black and Latinx students, finding a sense of community on campus is essential to their success. Studies have shown that students who feel connected to their peers and to the campus community are more likely to persist in their studies and achieve academic success. Community also provides a sense of belonging and support, which can help students to cope with the challenges of attending college in a predominantly white environment.

There are a number of ways that Black and Latinx students can find community on campus. One way is to join cultural organizations. These organizations provide a space for students to connect with others who share their cultural experiences. They also offer a variety of programs and activities that celebrate Black and Latinx culture.

Another way for Black and Latinx students to find community on campus is to attend social events. These events are often hosted by cultural organizations or student government associations. They provide an opportunity for students to meet new people, make friends, and learn about different cultures.

Finally, Black and Latinx students can also find community on campus by participating in activities that celebrate their heritage. These activities might include attending lectures by Black and Latinx scholars, participating in cultural performances, or volunteering for organizations that serve the Black and Latinx community.

Finding community on campus can make a significant difference in the lives of Black and Latinx students. It can provide them with a sense of belonging and support, and it can help them to succeed academically and socially. If you are a Black or Latinx student attending a HWCU, there are many resources available to help you find community on campus. I encourage you to get involved in cultural organizations, attend social events, and participate in activities that celebrate your heritage.

Challenges Faced by Black and Latinx Students at HWCU

Black and Latinx students at HWCU often face a number of challenges, including:

Social isolation and discrimination: Black and Latinx students may feel isolated and discriminated against by their white peers and professors. They may be subjected to racial slurs and other forms of harassment, and they may feel like they do not belong.
Pressure to conform to white norms and values: Black and Latinx students may feel pressure to conform to white norms and values. This pressure can come from both their peers and their professors. Black and Latinx students who do not conform to white norms may be seen as "acting white" or "trying to be white."
Difficulty finding peers who share their cultural experiences: Black and Latinx students may have difficulty finding peers who share their cultural experiences. This can make it difficult for them to feel connected to the campus community.
Lack of support from faculty and staff: Black and Latinx students may feel like they do not have the support of faculty and staff. They may feel like their professors do not understand their cultural experiences or that they are not interested in helping them to succeed.

How to Support Black and Latinx Students at HWCU

There are a number of things that can be done to support Black and Latinx students at HWCU, including:

Creating a more inclusive campus climate: Campuses need to create a more inclusive climate for Black and Latinx students. This means addressing issues of racism and discrimination, and it means creating a space where Black and Latinx students feel welcome and respected.
Providing more support for Black and Latinx students: Campuses need to provide more support for Black and Latinx students. This includes providing academic advising, tutoring, and counseling services that are tailored to the needs of Black and Latinx students.
Encouraging faculty and staff to be more supportive of Black and Latinx students: Faculty and staff need to be more supportive of Black and Latinx students. This means understanding the cultural experiences of Black and Latinx students and being willing to advocate for them.
Partnering with community organizations: Campuses can partner with community organizations to provide support for Black and Latinx students. These organizations can provide tutoring, mentoring, and other services that can help Black and Latinx students to succeed.

By taking these steps, campuses can create a more welcoming and supportive environment for Black and Latinx students. This will help them to succeed academically and socially, and it will make their experience at HWCU more positive.

Black and Latinx students are an important part of the campus community at HWCU. They bring a wealth of diversity and experience to our campuses, and they deserve to feel welcome and supported. By creating a more inclusive campus climate, providing more support for Black and Latinx students, and encouraging faculty and staff to be more supportive, we can help Black and Latinx students to succeed and thrive at HWCU.

Campus Counterspaces: Black and Latinx Students' Search for Community at Historically White Universities

by Micere Keels

4.7 out of 5