I Know It (Racism) Still Exists Here: African American Males at a Predominantly White Institution (PWI)

This qualitative study examined the experiences of African American males at a PWI (Predominantly White Institution). The focus on African American males is deliberate because, as a group, they have the highest attrition rate of any college demographic. Utilizing in-depth interview data from 12 African American males at a PWI, this project delineated the nefarious station of black males who experienced racism and racial microaggressions in a purportedly post-racial, colorblind society. Qualitative analysis of the data revealed the following two themes: (1) Racism and Racial Microaggressions and (2) The African American experience is not important to faculty and the university. Recommendations for how PWIs can foster the academic success of black males will be provided