Legacy, voice, and identity: Understanding belonging through Black student experiences — A study of the significance of a Black cultural center for sense of belonging

This qualitative study examines how Black undergraduate students at a predominantly white institution (PWI) at a Tier One research university in the Midwestern U.S. experience and cultivate a sense of belonging. Particular attention is given to the role of a Black cultural center in supporting student agency. Data were drawn from in-depth interviews and a follow-up focus group with students from diverse backgrounds. Thematic analysis revealed that the cultural center functioned as a space of cultural affirmation, emotional safety, and connection, allowing students to show up authentically, free from judgment, code-switching, and the mental fatigue of impostor syndrome while navigating predominantly white spaces. Despite challenges of isolation and marginalization, participants described the center as a key support in building community and resilience. Findings highlight the significance of culturally grounded spaces in promoting identity development and academic persistence. Implications include the need for more supportive reporting options for students facing race-based barriers and the creation of inclusive campus environments that affirm the lived experiences and agency of Black students.

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

• Washington, Larry

Contributors dc:contributor

• Pak, Yoon
• Baber, Lorenzo D
• Ruedas-Gracia, Nidia
• Moton, Theopolies J

• Black / African American
• Diversity
• Sense of Belonging
• Predominantly White Institution (PWI)
• Black Cultural Center (BCC), Imposter Syndrome
• Double Consciousness
• Community Building
• Academic Persistence
• Code-Switching
• Safe Space
• Legacy
• Uplift.

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2025 Larry Washington

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129466

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F129466