Date of Award
Spring 2020
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Higher Education Policy and Student Affairs
Committee Chairperson
John Elmore, PhD
Committee Member
Jason Wozniak, PhD
Committee Member
Jacqueline Hodes,PhD
Abstract
This thesis addresses how reframing activism as leadership allows student activist to be viewed as student leaders on college campuses. More specifically, I explore how the Black student existence and experience on college campus and their desire for an equitable education has always been considered a form of activism that had continuously been suppressed. I used the methodology of critical action research to examine the structures of Eurocentricity, colonization, racialization and domination that affect the educational experiences of Black student activists, while also utilizing my personal experience. I propose a leadership building program that promotes racial justice, decolonial methods and activism. The program will provide a cohort of students with the necessary support and education with a decolonial framework from faculty and student affairs professionals to ensure they feel supported and empowered on their campus. This is a vital and critical matter to consider because it addresses the issues of the Black student experience, social justice and activism and the acknowledgement of the current issues in student leadership training for Black students. Black activist are leaders and should be seen as such on college campuses, they should be provided the same support and development and not seen as rebels or trouble makers, but as student leaders striving to create institutional change.
Recommended Citation
Asbury, Kaileik, "The Duality of the Black Student Activist: A Decolonial Approach to Reframing Student Activism as Student Leadership" (2020). West Chester University Master’s Theses. 133.
https://digitalcommons.wcupa.edu/all_theses/133