Skating the zones

Six African American male community college students share their innermost thoughts and adjustment experiences at a predominantly White community college. Steeped in the qualitative tradition, the researcher does not stand aloof. She tells each students story using "poetic transcriptions" and blends in her experiences, and faculty voices against a backdrop of historical, and sociological insights. Improving the plight of Black males in higher education may be one of the most crucial challenges since Civil Rights. It is therefore fitting that we listen to the voices of these young men as they "skate the zones"-- adapting varying roles and identities and making sense of daily interactions with family, friends, and faculty. Themes uncovered from the analyses point out the importance of early family and neighborhood experiences, the persistence of racial bariers even with mutually positive intent, and the heterogeneous nature of Black male identity. Some exemplary strategies and programs are presented in the final chapter.