Readiness for racialized encounters in the career preparedness of Black HBCU graduates in White corporate environments : a narrative inquiry and Critical Race Theory study
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Keisha Mark Williams (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Delma Ramos
Abstract: This Qualitative Narrative inquiry explored the experiences of Black graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as they enter into predominantly White working environments. Inspired by a study conducted by the National Opinion Research Center’s “Being Black in Corporate America” (National Opinion Research Center, 2019) which discovered 58% of Black individuals faced workplace racism, prompting a mass exodus of millennial employees, this study examines the role HBCUs play in shaping Black graduates’ ability to navigate racial challenges. Using Critical Race Theory and narrative research, this study evaluates how well HBCUs prepare Black graduates for confronting racism in White corporate environments and explores the strategies these graduates use to cope with challenging encounters. Using purposive sampling, 8 Black HBCU graduates with post-graduation experience in predominantly White corporate environments were selected to participate. Data collection methods included demographic surveys, one-on-one interviews, focus groups, follow-up conversations, and reflexive journaling. The study’s findings determined that HBCU experiences play a critical role in helping participants explore and understand their racial identity. Implications of this study underscore the importance of integrating culturally responsive education into professional development and fostering stronger partnerships between HBCUs and corporations. This study advocates for curricular enhancements at HBCUs to empower students with strategies for navigating racist encounters while remaining authentic. By addressing unpreparedness to confront racism, the research highlights the need for cultural awareness in professional development, collaborative efforts between HBCUs and corporations, and inclusive workplaces that encourage open dialogue and support for Black employees. Ultimately, these insights contribute to a broader conversation on racial awareness, preparedness, and navigation for Black HBCU graduates. Keywords: Black graduates, HBCUs, workplace racism, Critical Race Theory, cultural awareness, professional development, inclusivity, racial navigation.
Readiness for racialized encounters in the career preparedness of Black HBCU graduates in White corporate environments : a narrative inquiry and Critical Race Theory study
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Created on 12/1/2023
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Dissertation
- Language: English
- Date: 2023
- Keywords
- Black graduates, HBCUs, Workplace racism, Critical Race Theory, Cultural awareness, Professional development, Inclusivity, Racial navigation
- Subjects
- College graduates, Black $x Employment
- Historically Black colleges and universities
- Discrimination in employment
- Race awareness