The Community College Experience: Exploring Factors That Affect the Black College Athlete Engagement (2023)

ABSTRACT: Although many researchers have begun to conduct inquiries into mental health and identity among secondary education students, postsecondary education students need to understand how persistence, motivation, and mentorship can improve academic and athletic endeavors for Black male college athletes. This study aimed to identify and highlight Black male college athletes voices revealing factors contributing to their mental health challenges and successes while attending community college. In addition, this study explored how Black male college athletes’ college experiences shaped their persistence toward academic goals, which critically influences their educational development. The data were derived from a qualitative semistructured focus group and one-on-one interviews. The study was conducted at one community college site in an urban district with a culturally and linguistically diverse student population. Black male college athletes’ experiences were examined through beliefs, attitudes, practices, and needs related to mental health and identity. More specifically, this study sought to understand whether or not Black male college athletes were influenced by the specific instructional factors of support, expertise, and time of individuals in prominent leadership roles. This phenomenology study examined the academic experiences of Black male college football athletes in the United States, framed by critical race theory, applying Bell’s (2000) interest convergence principle, and using microaggression and counterstorytelling as a construct. Recommendations are provided for schools, administrators, and coaches to acknowledge theexperiences and culture of each student.