Framing identity: A photographic autoethnography of Black male undergraduates at a predominately White institution

This study explores how a sense of belonging shapes the academic and social experiences of Black male undergraduates at a predominately White institution. Through the utilization of photographic autoethnography—a fusion between the methods of photovoice and autoethnography—this study examines collegiate experience and its impact on the academic, social, and identity development of students. The William Cross Racial Identity Scale is used to analyze identity formation, while an oral history interview helps triangulate data, providing a richer understanding of participants experiences. Findings reveal that belonging is essential to academic persistence and personal growth, influenced by institutional structures, peer interactions, and faculty engagement. By integrating photography as both research method and storytelling tool, this work amplifies Black male student voices and advocates for more intentionally inclusive higher education practices.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Educ Policy, Orgzn & Leadrshp

Grantor

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2025

Author dc:creator

• Rochon, Ayinde Calen

Contributors dc:contributor

• Span, Christopher M
• Zamani-Gallaher, Eboni M
• Ward Hood, Denice
• Moton, Theopolies

• Higher education
• Black student experience
• sense of belonging
• identity development
• autoethnography
• photovoice.

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright © 2025 by Ayinde C. Rochon All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129462

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F129462