Chapter 10: Leadership in Education for Black Americans in Community Colleges

Higher education aims to support next-generation leaders’ development and competencies that possess the essential characteristics to lead and foster sustainable changes (Nohria & Khurana, 2010). However, there remains a disparity in access to higher education and leadership opportunities for Black American students, despite continued demonstration of excellent leadership and successful contributions to American society. Black students are confronted with experiences that test the self-identity instilled by parents and role models and yet are provided less training and leadership development opportunities. As it relates to access to higher education, community colleges can play a crucial role in closing the leadership opportunities gap. And yet, the retention rates of Black Americans in community colleges are the lowest (see Harper, 2013, Pérez Huber, 2015, Saenz et al., 2016, etc.). Hence this chapter aims to (a) highlight the role of community colleges in fostering leadership among Black Americans, (b) explore the capacity of mentorship in supporting Black students in community colleges, (c) encourage policy and faculty development to increase student retention rates, and (d) offer interdisciplinary strategies and resources to systemically bridge the accessibility gaps toward an equitable educational experience.