Chapter 14: This Space is for you, too: Empowering Queer Black Undergraduate Men in Black Male Initiative Programs

Black male undergraduates at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) can experience hostile campus climates that create barriers to their overall success, well-being, and student engagement (Benton, 2001). Historically, Black males in higher education tend to be less involved on campus, have higher dropout rates, and are less likely to ask for support when needed (Strayhorn & DeVita, 2010). Black male initiative (BMIs) programs were created to address these challenges and provide Black male undergraduates with a deeper sense of belonging on campus and within their community (McElderry et al., 2018). These programs within higher education help increase retention and graduation rates, support leadership development, and nourish the overall social and cultural needs of Black male undergraduate students (Brooms, 2018).