Down With Us

Dr. Anthony C. Hill, Ed.D, MSW is an Associate Professor at Springfield College’s School of Social Work and Behavioral Sciences, Springfield, MA. is this weeks guest where discuss Healthy Black Masculinity: What does it look like?

Before entering college, many males of color regardless of socioeconomic status are operating within an environment where their mere presence creates uneasiness, they are deemed hostile, there is little value for their life, or they are regarded as behavioral issues which all combine to be damaging to their academic success. On a college campus, students of color may have experienced multiple traumas that may have affected their families for generations. It is essential for students to have a safe haven to process and address these harmful experiences. Students may not be able to receive and benefit from academic content when they are struggling with the fact that they are being targeted as young men of color and may not feel welcome and safe.  

It is important for educators and administrators at all levels to not only accept diverse students but also support students beyond just academic support that may provide additional tutoring, writing, and study skills. There are additional interventions that are essential in supporting students emotionally, helping them persist in attaining their college degree, and working on retention efforts so that they are on track for graduation.